The term ‘lipo’ means fat and lipodystrophy refers to abnormal fat changes. It is a medical condition that is marked by degeneration of adipose tissue of the body. It is also known as ‘fat redistribution syndrome’. Building of fat in the body in excess is called lipohypertrophy and loss of fat in the body (more on the arms, legs and buttocks) is called lipoatrophy. Lipodystrophy is dealing with the way in which the body produces and stores fat. In other words, lipodystrophy refers to fat distribution. Due to the increase in the number of patients using antiretroviral therapy ART there is steady increase in lipodystrophy. It occurs in about 35-50% of HIV patients.
Symptoms :
Lipodystrophy occurs in two different ways namely building up of fat and loss of fat. Men belong to second category (losing fat) and women tend to build fat. Fat loss is seen on the arms, legs and even on the buttocks of the individual having lipodystrophy. The veins of legs or arms even tend to protrude. Their face becomes sunken with in-growing temples and cheeks.
Building up of fat (lipohypertrophy) is seen largely on the abdomen, breasts and back of shoulders. For some people excess of fat gets accumulated in various parts of the body. Often, this condition coexists with autoimmune disorders like HIV infection causing physical as well as psychological effects. It can cause various metabolic changes in the patient posing risk for his survival.
How Far It Is Prevalent ?
Lipodystrophy syndrome has reduced considerably after increased awareness among HIV infected patients in many countries. In adults it is prevalent in about 10-50% and in children the rate of prevalence is about 33%.
Who Are At Risk ?
Women have increased risk of developing lipodystrophy when they have HIV infection. In general, there is high risk if the duration of the disease is long and length of treatment is long. This disorder is common among Caucasians. Being overweight, being white and being old give maximum risk for lipodystrophy.