SARCOPENIA IN A SAMPLE OF HIV INFECTED OUTPATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: The population HIV-infected is aging and sarcopenia is an important health problem that can affect this population, leading to negative consequences such as mobility decline, worsening quality of life and even death. This study aims to describe the frequency of sarcopenia in HIV-infected patients in two clinics in the city of Salvador, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 128 patients infected with the HIV virus. We included subjects aged ?18 years infected with HIV, with ability to execute simple external commands, hemodynamic stability, ambulatory capacity without external assistance, absence of dyspnea or any cardiorespiratory alteration. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was determined by the combination of reduction of skeletal mass, obtained through an anthropometric equation; with muscle weakness and / or poor physical performance. These two measurements were taken with the grip dynamometer and the walk speed respectively. Results: There was an association between sarcopenia with the variables age (p = 0.001), longer time of antiviral treatment (p = 0.001) and higher rate of Charlson comorbidities (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The frequency of sarcopenia among HIV-infected individuals was low, with a higher frequency of pre-sarcopenia, suggesting a need for greater attention to this population regarding interventions such as strength training and better nutritional intake.