Lipodystrophy syndrome: the morphologic and metabolic effects of antiretroviral therapy in HIV infection.

Widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to manage HIV infection is now associated with the development of lipodystrophy syndrome. This syndrome is a combination of such morphologic and metabolic changes as hyperlipidemia, fat redistribution, and insulin resistance. Although many of the long-term effects of HAART have not been fully recognized, it is thought that lipodystrophy syndrome may now contribute to early-onset hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, and diabetes, and may have a negative psychological impact on the individual living with HIV infection.