Gastrointestinal problems in patients with AIDS.

There is a complex relationship between malnutrition and immune function. Patients with chronic immunological disorders often become malnourished as a result of disease complications. On the other hand, macronutrient deficiencies are associated with the development of immunological deficiencies which are reversible on nutritional repletion. Deficiencies of macronutrients lead to diminished function of T and B lymphocytes in all patients, irrespective of HIV status. Lymphopenia is a characteristic finding in malnourished patients and includes loss of helper lymphocytes (CD4). This paper provides an overview of the gastrointestinal problems in AIDS and concludes that, because of the complex nature of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a multidisciplinary team approach is essential, with the nurse playing a major role.