Facial lipoatrophy (FA) is a feature of HIV associated lipodystrophic syndrome (LDS) that affects quality of life and compliance on antiretroviral treatment (ARVT). This cross-sectional study assess 259 HIV patients from Galati, on median age 19, who experienced ARVT (93%) with 1- 8 schemes and variable length of time (3 – 130 months). FA was developed on 30% of HIV patients and as criteria for 54% of LDS. The development of FA is related to severe immunossupresion, long experience on ARVT and male sex. The perception of FA was real (70/102) or fear of self image impressing (32/102). FA is an important cause of anxiety and depression for almost a half of patients with ARVT, especially for the youth and adolescents. Recovery of FA is claimed by 90% of the patients. Quality of life issues in HIV infected patients from Galati requires foundation of accessible surgical departments specialized in facial cosmetics.
Keywords:- FACIAL LIPOATROPHY
- HIV
- LIPODISTROPHY