Body cell mass repletion and improved quality of life in HIV-infected individuals receiving oxandrolone.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to measure changes in body cell mass (BCM) and quality of life in HIV-infected individuals undergoing oxandrolone therapy. Previous studies on oxandrolone have neither quantified changes in BCM using criterion methods nor quality of life using an HIV-specific instrument.


METHODS
Twenty-five HIV-infected patients (15 with an AIDS diagnosis) on standard antiretroviral and nutrition management were studied before and an average of 18.6 weeks after the initiation of oxandrolone therapy, as prescribed by their primary care physician for the treatment of weight loss. BCM was estimated from intracellular water measured by multiple dilution. Lean soft tissue mass (LTM) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Quality of life was evaluated by the Functional Assessment of HIV Infection (FAHI) questionnaire.


RESULTS
Significant gains in body weight (2.6 +/- 3.0 kg; p < .0001), BCM (3.6 +/- 3.0 kg; p < .0001), and LTM (3.0 +/- 2.9 kg; p < .0001) occurred over an average course of 18.6 weeks of treatment. Overall quality of life improved (p = .056) and appetite improved (p = .032), both of which were positively associated with weight gain (p = .040 and p = .022, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study involving oxandrolone therapy in HIV infection to document changes in quality of life and BCM, the metabolically active component of lean body mass that reflects nutritional status better than other more global body composition parameters. Nutritional status and quality of life can improve in HIV-infected individuals receiving a combined therapeutic approach that includes oxandrolone.
Earthman
Carrie P
CP
Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.
Reid
Phyllis M
PM
Harper
Ingeborg T
IT
Ravussin
Eric
E
Howell
Wanda H
WH
D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D010074:Oxandrolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D010074:Oxandrolone