Over the last several years, a great deal of attention has focused on emerging complications in patients with HIV disease. Commonly called lipodystrophy, these conditions can now be categorized into distinct syndromes. These include wasting, morphologic changes, dyslipidemia, abnormalities in glucose metabolism, lactic acidosis, and bone disorders.

Some of these complications, such as lactic acidosis, can create a life-threatening situation for the patient. Others, such as fat redistribution, may cause embarrassment and stigma as they impact a patient’s quality of life. Regardless of the complication or its potential effect, one thing is clear. The development of such complications can seriously jeopardize patient adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens, resulting in viral load rebound and resistance.

As clinicians foster their understanding of these complications, a link has been established between their development and the use of HAART. Although numerous hypotheses have sought to explain this association, they do not tell the whole story. As data are collected, the information points to a multifactorial etiology. Much remains to be learned about these complications, including how to define, diagnose, and treat them. In the meantime, clinicians need to be aware of their emerging frequency, identify them early, and provide effective treatment interventions.

A distinguished faculty met to discuss these complications with an emphasis on patient management strategies and their interface with HAART. These slides and annotations are the result of their interactions. This slide/lecture kit is presented as a service by Serono, Inc., to assist you in your presentations addressing complications in the post-HAART era.

The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of Serono, Inc. Please consult the full prescribing information before using any medication mentioned in this publication.