Nutrition in the management of HIV antibody positive patients: a longitudinal study of dietetic out-patient advice.
The efficacy of a dietetic service was evaluated in an AIDS clinic; 17 asymptomatic (CDC II) and 17 symptomatic (CDC IV) patients participated in a 12 week evaluation of out-patient dietetic advice. The symptomatic group, classified as CDC stage IV according to the Centre for Disease Control classification, were significantly lighter (P less than 0.05) and had significantly lower values for usual weight, current body mass index, mid-upper arm and mid-arm muscle circumferences and triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses (P less than 0.05) at the outset of the study. There were no significant differences in nutrient intakes between the two groups. After 12 weeks of dietetic intervention which included personalised advice, prescription of food supplements and the provision of a special food allowance as social welfare payments for the unemployed, there were significant increases in the intakes of most nutrients, the effect being greater with the symptomatic CDC IV group. It is concluded that dietetic intervention has a significant role to play in the management of HIV antibody positive patients.
Dowling
S
S
Department of Clinical Medicine, TCD Medical School, Dublin, Ireland.
Mulcahy
F
F
Gibney
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D004045:Dietary Services; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States