There is as yet no consensus definition of HIV-related lipodystrophy, but certain body composition parameters are considered relevant for assessment of alterations in body fat distribution.

These parameters include total body fat, subcutaneous and visceral fat and peripheral fat mass. Imaging methods are frequently used for these evaluations.

Spanish researchers at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires and the Foundation for the Study of Infectious Diseases in Buenos Aires analyzed the correlation between inexpensive office-based methods (anthropometry and bioimpedance – BIA) with imaging methods for the assessment of different body composition parameters.

Results

• 103 patients had multiple evaluations done (anthropometry, BIA, DEXA and abdominal CT scan).
• 29/103 (28%) were female and mean age was 40.4 years.
• Total body fat assessed by BIA showed a correlation of 0.9 with DEXA scan.
• Waist perimeter had a correlation of 0.61 with CT scan visceral fat and 0.69 with Trunk Fat by DEXA.
• Thigh perimeter showed a correlation of 0.63 with leg fat by DEXA and           subcutaneous fat by CT scan had a correlation of 0.57 with the sum of skinfolds (0.69 in men).

The study investigators conclude that “some but not all” relevant parameters of body composition can be accurately assessed by office-based inexpensive methods in HIV-positive patients.

They also noted that subcutaneous fat values are more precisely predicted in men.

12/09/05

Reference
W H Belloso and others. Office-based assessment of body composition abnormalities in patients under HAART. Abstract 35. 7th International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Lipodystrophy in HIV. November 13-16, 2005, Dublin, Ireland. Antiviral Therapy 2005; 10:L24.