Changes in the nutritional status of elderly patients with HIV diagnosis undergoing antiretroviral treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious contagious disease produced by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes progressive immunosuppression, making individuals susceptible to infections and opportunistic diseases. Despite its benefits, antiretroviral therapy has side effects, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify metabolic alterations in elderly patients with AIDS who use antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: The study consisted of a retrospective bibliographic review, including indexed articles published over the last 10 years, written in Portuguese and English, which evaluated changes in nutritional status and metabolic changes in HIV-positive patients who used ART. Results: According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the number of people over 65 with HIV grew by 103% in the last decade. The HIV virus has a long incubation period before the onset of the first symptoms of the disease, which results in AIDS. Dyslipidemia affects approximately 70% of HIV-infected patients who use ART, and occurs due to an increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and/or a reduction in HDL-cholesterol. Conclusion: The WHO recommends that nutritional interventions form part of HIV/AIDS control and treatment programs since they improve treatment adherence and ART effectiveness. In this context, a healthy diet that is adequate for the needs of the individual contributes to increased levels of CD4 T lymphocytes and reduces the harm caused by opportunistic infections, while improving intestinal absorption, as well as decreasing muscle loss and lipodystrophy syndrome, whose symptoms can significantly reduce the survival rates of patients.