Results from a recent French study indicate that a gel that is injected under the skin may be a safe and effective treatment for facial fat loss in people with HIV.

Based on their results, the researchers concluded that the gel is a promising treatment for HIV-related facial fat loss and suggested that clinical trials should be conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of the gel to the current standard treatment, polylactic acid implants (Sculptra).

Facial fat loss (lipoatrophy) that results in hollowed cheeks is a common side effect…

Results of a recent review indicate that people with HIV are at an increased risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes, particularly if they are on antiretroviral therapy. The authors also found that more research is needed on the most effective way to treat diabetes in HIV-positive patients.

Based on their results, the review authors recommended that people with HIV receive routine screening for diabetes before starting antiretroviral therapy, three to six months after starting therapy, and once a year thereafter.

Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by high levels of sugar…

The results of a recent French study indicate that treating uninfected infants of HIV-positive mothers with Kaletra before and after birth may increase the risk of developing temporary but serious adrenal gland problems compared to treating newborns with zidovudine.

While the majority of infants treated with Kaletra had no symptoms, three premature infants treated with Kaletra experienced life-threatening problems, including extensive heart damage, low levels of sodium in the blood, and high levels of potassium in the blood.

“The association between [Kaletra] and transient adrenal dysfunction in HIV-uninfected newborns suggests…

Results from a recent small study indicate that certain nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, particularly zidovudine, stavudine, didanosine, and zalcitabine, may cause irreversible premature aging in people with HIV. Signs of premature aging were found even in people who were no longer taking the NRTIs.

“What is surprising…is that patients who came off the medication many years ago may still be vulnerable to these changes,” said Professor Patrick Chinnery, lead author of the study, in a press release.

The aging appears to be caused by damage to cells’ energy production units,…

According to a recent study, people with HIV who are vitamin D deficient may see improved vitamin D levels after switching antiretrovirals. In addition, the study found that low vitamin D levels were associated with regimens containing Sustiva or zidovudine, black ethnicity, and winter calendar months.

Based on their results, the study authors recommended that people with HIV be monitored for vitamin D deficiencies and given supplements or alternate antiretroviral regimens if severe deficiencies develop.

People living with HIV often have lower levels of vitamin D, which is an important…