Investigating the Contributing Risk Factors toward Sarcopenia Prevalence and its Development in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes immune system impairment, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) given for HIV may increase the risk of morbidity and adverse health outcomes, including sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with HIV in non-Asian countries has been well-documented, but not in Asian countries.

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with HIV in Thai patients.

A cross-section study was designed. This study included 114 patients with HIV from a specialized infectious disease hospital aged 20-75 years and receiving ART for more than a year. Gait speed, muscle strength, and muscle mass were measured using the 6-m walking test, handgrip dynamometer, and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Patient medical records and Global Physical Health Questionnaire scores were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk of sarcopenia occurrence.

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21.93%. Risk factors for sarcopenia included duration of ART (odds ratio [OR]=16.55), advanced age (≥60 years, OR=13.50), duration of living with HIV (OR=9.44), and female sex (OR=3.79). Besides, low physical activity, which is a modifiable behavioral, had an OR of 2.78.

The prevalence of sarcopenia in people with HIV was 21.93%. The duration of ART was the most prominent risk factor for sarcopenia in patients with HIV. Patients with HIV should increase their physical activity levels to reduce sarcopenia risk.