• Assessment
    What is the evidence regarding assessment of body composition for people with HIV infection?
    • Conclusion

      Twenty-seven studies were reviewed to evaluate the assessment of body composition of people with HIV infection. Most of rthe esearch in men, women, children and adolescents reports that fat-free mass and fat mass are altered in people with HIV infection. 

    • Grade: I
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    What methodologies are appropriate in the measurement of body composition of people with HIV infection?
    • Conclusion

      Eighteen studies were reviewed to evaluate certain methodologies in the measurement of body composition of people with HIV infection. Six studies in men, two studies in women and six studies in men and women report that dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, bioimpedance spectroscopy and skinfold thickness measurements provide acceptable estimations of body composition and for measuring change in body composition. Results of bioelectrical impedance analysis vary with the prediction equation used and the equipment manufacturer; studies in children report the need for bioelectrical impedance analysis equations developed for use in children with HIV infection. Results in skinfold thickness measurements vary with the number of sites measured and the prediction equation used. Further research is needed regarding methodology for body composition measurement in women and children, as well as in conditions of lipodystrophy, areas of the body and different ethnic groups.

    • Grade: II
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.