[Prevention and therapy of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome and antiretroviral caused metabolic changes].

Metabolic changes and lipodystrophy in HIV patients are sequelae of antiretroviral therapy, although the pathophysiology is, in part, still not well understood. These thoughts should be taken into consideration in making the decision for beginning therapy; however, they should be regarded as having lower priority when immunosuppression is clearly present since the clinical significance of many changes is not certain at this time. Numerous therapy recommendations are presently insufficiently evidence-based or are experimental. Treatment in connection with clinical studies or within the scope of a documented application is desirable. In any case, whether the probable long-term damage through HAART caused metabolic changes justifies a therapeutic intervention with likewise potential toxicity should be carefully deliberated.