Development of equations to predict segmental body's fat in HIV seropositive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Currently HIV seropositives patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)have clinically stable, however we have observed changes in body composition and metabolic syndrome called lipodystrophy.The core of the syndrome are changes in body composition that involves limbs and face fat loss in the limbs and face (lipoatrophy) and / or abdominal and dorsal cervical fat gain(lipohypertrophy). So far, this group to determine fat per body segment can be obtained by imaging methods such as X-ray absorptiometry dual energy absorptiometry (DXA), but not anthropometric measures, which would be more feasible in clinical practice. It is important to monitor the amount of fat per segment using practical and low cost methods in order to optimize treatment of this group. Objectives: To develop equations by linear regression estimation of fat in each segment (arm, leg and trunk) considering anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) target in HIV-seropositive patients on antiretroviral therapy. Methods: Will be measured circumferences (arm, waist, hip, thigh, calf) and skinfolds (bceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) and performed tests of segmental BIA and DXA in 100 HIV seropositive men. From these variables will be developed formulas to estimate fat segment (arm, leg and trunk) through the segmental BIA and anthropometric measurements through linear regression analysis, considering DXA as the gold standard.