Highly purified 1000-cSt silicone oil for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-associated facial lipoatrophy: an open pilot trial.
BACKGROUND
Among human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals, facial lipoatrophy has become epidemic. Those affected are stigmatized, leading to psychological distress, social and career impediments, and impaired compliance to human immunodeficiency virus medications. Temporary treatment options are limited by excessive cost, necessity of frequent treatments, and lack of a natural look or feel beneath the skin. Affected patients require more persistent, affordable, safe, and effective treatment options.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of highly purified 1000-cSt silicone oil injected by microdroplet serial puncture technique for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipoatrophy.


METHODS
Data on 77 patients with a complete correction were analyzed to determine the number of treatments, amount of silicone, and time required to reach complete correction, relative to initial severity.


RESULTS
The volume of silicone, number of treatments, and time required to reach a complete correction were directly related to initial severity of lipoatrophy (p < 0.0001). Supple, even facial contours were routinely restored, with all patients tolerating treatments well. No adverse events were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot trial, we have demonstrated that highly purified 1000-cSt silicone oil is a safe and effective treatment option for human immunodeficiency virus facial lipoatrophy. Longer-term safety and efficacy in human immunodeficiency virus patients remain to be proven.
Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. derekjonesmd@aol.com
Derek H
DH
Jones
Alastair
A
Carruthers
David
D
Orentreich
Harold J
HJ
Brody
Mei-Ying
MY
Lai
Stanley
S
Azen
Gregory S
GS
Van Dyke
D000328:Adult; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D039682:HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012827:Silicone Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012828:Silicones; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012827:Silicone Oils; D012828:Silicones; C013830:baysilon