Lipodystrophy and Quality of Life of HIV-Infected Persons
Giovanni Guaraldi 1, Rita Murri 2, Gabriella Orlando 2, Nicola Squillace 2, Chiara Stentarelli 2, Stefano Zona 2, Elisa Garlassi 2, Esteban Martínez 2
1 Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; 2 NULL
*Correspondence: Chiara Stentarelli, Email not available
Abstract
Morphological changes induced by HIV-related lipodystrophy profoundly affect body image andinfluence health-related quality of life. Measurements of health-related quality of life in patients withlipodystrophy are complex due to a lack of consensus on the definition of lipodystrophy, a lack ofappropriate methods to capture the impact of body fat changes, and the subjective perception of thosechanges by patients. This review describes the different tools that have been used to assess quality oflife in patients with lipodystrophy, and critically analyzes published papers on health-related qualityof life.With regard to facial lipoatrophy, the most stigmatizing condition of lipodystrophy, we have analyzedthe impact of reconstructive plastic surgery on patient-related outcomes and health-relatedquality of life.A better knowledge of the associations between lipodystrophy and health-related quality of life willallow us to understand the burden of long-term toxicities of antiretroviral therapies as well as to identifynovel patient-related endpoints useful in assessing the efficacy of lipodystrophy treating programs.
