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-1 protease inhibitors. This article reviews the clinical and laboratory characteristics, the pathogenesis, and the management of this syndrome.