Campa A, Huffman F, Sales S, Xue L, Phillips JC, Daniel V, Duan R, Timothee H, Holmes D, Flambert R, Adams A, Baum MK; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. C11559.

Florida International University, Miami, United States

Background: In advanced HIV-infection, the incidence of chronic diarrhea is 30-70%. Chronic diarrhea decreases survival and response to antiretroviral therapy. Zinc (Zn) deficiency has been linked to increased severity of diarrhea, while Zn supplementation is associated with improved diarrheic condition. This study evaluated Zn intake and frequency and severity of diarrhea in a cohort of HIV+ drug users, a group in which Zn deficiency is prevalent. Method: Demographics, two 24-hour recalls, anthropometrics, and medical and treatment history were completed after obtaining informed consent from 116 HIV+ drug users from Camillus House in Miami. Reports of diarrhea were graded as mild, moderate and severe; frequency in the last 12 months was recorded. Blood was drawn for immunological and nutritional measures. Non-parametric logistic regression was used in the analyses. Result: Of the 116 participants, 96(83%) were African American, 85(73%) were men, their mean age was 41.5+/-6.6, and their mean monthly income was $395+/-842. Two thirds of the group received HAART. Almost 40% (N=46) of the participants reported history of diarrhea within the last year, and 20.7% reported moderate or severe diarrhea. Participants with moderate or severe diarrhea had a significantly lower mean dietary Zn intake (6.1+/-2.8mg/day) than those who reported mild or no diarrhea (10.2+/-6.1 mg/day, p=0.002). Zn intake in the group with diarrhea was below dietary recommendations and in the group with mild or no diarrhea was above recommended intakes. After controlling for HAART, CD4 cell count, viral load, and evidence of wasting, the significance remained (p<0.001). Conclusion Adequate Zn intake is strongly associated with lower frequency of diarrhea in HIV+ drug users. Further research is needed to determine the role of Zn supplementation in the treatment and prevention of chronic diarrhea in HIV+ individuals. Funded by NIDA

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• AIDS Vaccines
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
• CD4 Lymphocyte Count
• Diarrhea
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Malnutrition
• Nutritional Status
• Viral Load
• Zinc
• epidemiology

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0033152

UI: 102277366

From Meeting Abstracts