HIV-Associated Wasting Syndrome, common in AIDS sufferers, can worsen symptoms and impair health.

A crucial component in mitigating symptoms and maintaining good health in HIV-infected individuals is proper nutrition. Good nutrition is closely tied to the health of the immune system and studies have shown that poor nutrition is linked to a worsened clinical outcome in people with AIDS.

However, maintaining proper nutrition is often a challenge with AIDS cases. AIDS is often characterized by what has become known as the “HIV-Associated Wasting Syndrome.” The wasting syndrome is characterized by a ten-percent weight loss in the span of 30 days that cannot be attributed to another disease or pathology other than AIDS. This rapid weight loss is accompanied by diarrhea or continued weakness and a fever.

A number of theories have been put forth to explain HIV-Associated Wasting syndrome, and it may be that a combination of factors lie behind wasting syndrome. In a review by Mulligan and Schambelan, they outline the following possible causative factors: alterations in metabolic function, anorexia, hypogonadism, gastrointestinal disorders, and changes in cytokine levels.

A decrease in the intake of calories is strongly associated with periods of wasting. Individuals may have a loss of appetite for a number of reasons. Fungal infections and ulcers in the mouth and esophagus as a result of an impaired immune system can make eating painful. Treatment can often cause nausea and a change in taste sensation which may take away from the desire for food. As well, many people with AIDS also suffer from depression brought on by the change in social circumstances accompanying their illness. People with AIDS often face discrimination by their communities, workplaces, and even families. The depression resulting from not only the health burdens, but the increased social isolation, can result in a decreased appetite which can exacerbate the illness.

Less likely to be causing the wasting is an increased basal metabolism. In many cases of AIDS, individuals display an increased basal metabolism. However, in individuals with wasting syndrome, the correlation between an increased basal metabolism and weight loss is not strong. It seems more likely that anorexia or loss of appetite plays a more central role. However, an increased basal metabolism may worsen weight loss already caused by a decrease in caloric intake.

In cases of wasting syndrome, knowledge of the underlying cause may be valuable in so far as it can target treatment. However, even without clear cut answers, successful treatments which increase caloric and nutritional intakes can be administered.