Persons with HIV infection report substantial use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies for symptom management. Anecdotal reports from patients indicate that CAM approaches are helpful; however, there is limited scientific information on the safety and efficacy of these therapies in the HIV population. The purpose of this review is to critically appraise the scientific evidence for selected CAM therapies that are used by HIV-infected persons to manage three common symptoms: nutritional alterations, pain, and depression.

Complementary Therapies↗

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Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in HIV infection: principles and clinical applications.

Wasting is a common manifestation of AIDS that diminishes quality of life and is predictive of death. Body composition changes can occur in asymptomatic HIV infection, suggesting that early detection and treatment could potentially prevent the downward spiral to serious wasting. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method for estimating body composition that is gaining widespread use among HIV-infected populations. In this article, the principles underlying BIA and its appropriate applications and limitations in HIV/AIDS are described.

Body Composition↗

PubMedDate not supplied

HIV/AIDS and nutrition. Implications for disease management.

As a result of major advances in treatment, persons with HIV/AIDS are living longer and requiring more care management. Effective management of HIV-infected patients with nutritional alterations can result in fewer secondary infections and hospital admissions, better clinical outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. In this article, nutritional alterations, interventions, and resources during the course of HIV disease and their implications for care management are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Managing nutritional problems in people with AIDS.

The complicated clinical picture presented by people with AIDS is often exacerbated by compromised nutritional status. Oral and esophageal pain, diarrhea, malabsorption, and weight loss frustrate efforts to achieve or maintain adequate nutrition. It is, therefore, an important and challenging responsibility for nurses to ascertain and implement appropriate interventions to assist patients with HIV infections to improve their nutritional status, thereby potentially delaying disease progression and significantly contributing to improved quality of life.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗