Metabolic abnormalities and body fat redistribution in HIV-1 infected patients:: the lipodystrophy syndrome

A unique and unexpected syndrome consisting of metabolic abnormalities (hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance) and body fat redistribution (central adiposity and peripheral fat wasting) has been reported with increasing frequency in HIV-1 infected patients, most of whom are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapies including HIV-I protease inhibitors. This article reviews the clinical and laboratory characteristics, the pathogenesis, and the management of this syndrome. Curr Opin Infect Dis 12:13-19. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.