Higher fat mass percent is associated with decreased HIV disease progression in HIV⁺ adults (628.2)

Abstract

Background: This longitudinal study examines the relationship between FM%, an indicator for higher caloric intake and markers of disease progression (CD4 cell counts and viral loads). Methods: A secondary analysis was done on data gathered from an observational study on HIV infected patients. FM% was obtained from bio impedance analysis and CD4 cell counts and viral loads were obtained from medical charts. A total of 267 participants were included. Multiple Linear Regressions were used for cross‐sectional analysis and Mixed Models were used for overtime analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Mean age was 49.41±5.61 years, 62.1% were males and 71% were African Americans. The mean baseline CD4 counts were 516.71± 342.39 cells/mm3 and viral loads were 2.5±1.1 log10 copies/μL. FM% was associated with higher CD4 cell counts (β=‐5.39, p=0.019) at baseline and this association strengthened by controlling for age, gender, ART and BMI (β=‐5.72, p=0.013). FM% was also associated with higher CD4 cell counts over six months (β=4.619, p=0.016). Conclusion: Higher FM % measured cross‐sectionally and over time predicted improved markers of HIV disease progression. Grant Funding Source: NIDA