title: Assessment of nutritional status, body composition, and human immunodeficiency virus-associated morphologic changes.
abstract: Nutritional status should be assessed at regular intervals as part of management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The simplest approach to assessment is serial weight measurement. A comprehensive nutritional assessment includes (1) anthropometric measurements of body composition; (2) biochemical measurements of serum protein, micronutrients, and metabolic parameters; (3) clinical assessment of altered nutritional requirements and social or psychological issues that may preclude adequate intake; and (4) measurement of dietary intake. Techniques for measuring body composition of fat and lean body mass include anthropometry and bioelectric impedance analysis. Other techniques, including dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), hydrodensitometry, total body potassium measurement, and cross-sectional computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are available in research centers. Anthropometry, including waist-hip ratios, regional DXA, and cross-sectional imaging, is best for detecting morphologic changes associated with fat redistribution syndrome. Nutritional assessment and intervention in children with HIV can help to prevent stunted growth and development.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts-New England Medical Center Hospital, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
authors.forename: Tamsin A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Knox
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zafonte-Sanders
authors.forename: Cade
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fields-Gardner
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moen
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Paton
mesh_terms: D001823:Body Composition; D019468:Disease Management; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors