Consumer backgrounder
EMBARGOED: MONDAY, August 31, 2009
About HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy
About HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy
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The term ‘lipoatrophy’ comes from the Greek words lipos, meaning ‘fat’, and atrophy, meaning ‘the loss of’
HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy refers to the loss or redistribution of facial fat or volume, associated with
the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV,1 resulting in marked
hollowing or wrinkling of the skin1
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Fat is primarily lost from below the nose and above the mouth (the nasolabial region), the cheeks,
temples and, in severe cases, the eye sockets.1
Prevalence
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Facial lipoatrophy affects one-in-four Australians living with HIV2
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Lipodystrophy affects as many as 83 per cent of people living with HIV who are being treated with
antiretroviral therapy1, while facial lipoatrophy affects up to 45 per cent of these people2
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Facial lipoatrophy often occurs in people living with HIV who are otherwise in good health, and is
generally observed months-to-years after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.2
Effect on quality of life
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A survey of men living with HIV found that more than 55 per cent of those living with facial lipoatrophy
believed that others could tell their HIV status just by looking at them3
People living with moderate-to-severe HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy have the highest rates of
depression among those with HIV, 15.5 per cent of whom are reportedly diagnosed with depression5
People living with HIV-associated lipoatrophy are more likely to have poor body image, low self esteem,
become socially withdrawn, and are often marked as HIV-positive, due to their appearance.3,5
Treatment
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There are a number of treatment options available for addressing the effects of facial lipoatrophy,
including surgery and/or injectable products. A doctor will assess the most suitable treatment options for
each patient
The only treatment for HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy that is reimbursed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme (PBS) is Sculptra®
HIV-associated lipoatrophy may be treated by switching medication combinations or with injectable dermal
products4
Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid), which has just been listed on the PBS for those who have experienced
severe facial disfigurement caused by the use of HAART, is an injectable facial contouring product that
gradually restores lost facial volume6
In clinical trials, Sculptra® produced a statistically significant increase in skin thickness (4-to-6mm) after
12 weeks of treatment,7 with results lasting up to two years.8
ends#
For more information on HIV-associated lipoatrophy, please contact Kirsten Bruce or Sarah Mathiesen
from VIVA! Communications on 02 9884 9011 or m 0401 717 566 / 0400 712 861.
References
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James J et al. HIV-Associated Facial Lipoatrophy. Dermatol Surg 2002; 28(11): 979-986.
Miller J et al. HIV lipodystrophy: prevalence, severity and correlates of risk in Australia. HIV Medicine 2003; 4: 293-301.
Huang J et al. Body Image in men with HIV. AIDS PATIENT CARE and STDs 2006; 20(10): 668-677
Lenert LA, et al. Adverse effects of Medications and Trade-offs between Length of Life and Quality of Life in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. The Am.
Journ. Med 2002; 113: 229–232.
Crane HM et al. Lipoatrophy among HIV-infected patients is associated with higher levels of depression than lipohypertrophy.
HIV Medicine 2008; 9: 780-786.
Sculptra® Leaflet July 2008.
El-Beyrouty C et al. Poly-L-lactic Acid for Facial Lipoatrophy in HIV. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2006; 40: 1602-1606
Valantin M, et al. Polylactic acid implants to correct facial lipoatrophy in HIV infected patients: results of the open-label study VEGA. AIDS 2003; 17: 2471-2477.