title: A team approach to the treatment of AIDS wasting.
abstract: Despite the aggressive use of antiretroviral agents, AIDS wasting (AW) affects many persons infected with HIV. AW is characterized by a disproportionate loss of metabolically active tissue, specifically body cell mass--tissue involved with glucose oxidation, protein synthesis, and immune system function. AW correlates with poor quality of life and clinical outcomes. This condition requires a multidisciplinary team approach for effective management. Optimal maintenance of lean body mass and reversal of AW involves a combination of appropriate antiretroviral use, opportunistic infection prophylaxis, optimal nutrition, exercise, body composition monitoring, anabolic agents including growth hormone (rhGH[m]) and testosterone supplementation, mental health support, economic aid, and legal assistance. The team approach to treatment of AW requires the coordinated activity of nurses, dietitians, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, case managers, reimbursement personnel, caregiver(s), physical therapists, and the patient. This article, based on clinical experience treating AW, explains how the condition is managed using a multidisciplinary team approach.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Abbaticola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D019090:Case Management; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D019247:HIV Wasting Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents