Metabolic Changes in Pediatric HIV-Positive Patients and Potential Lifestyle Interventional Strategies

Metabolic changes in the HIV population have been well-studied, particularly after the advent of antiretroviral therapy. More notably, the emergence of the metabolic syndrome within the HIV population, due to prolonged survival, has led to an increasing rate of cardiovascular occurrence and mortality within the population in adult life. Importance of early intervention in HIV children, particularly lifestyle modifications, is necessary to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality in adulthood. Potential clinical interventions include routine anthropometric measurements as a measure of CVD risk, a low saturated fat and high fiber diet, and vigorous aerobic exercise have been shown to decrease CVD risk in the HIV population. The literature review found multiple knowledge gaps due to minimal studies completed on the HIV population and even less on HIV-positive children. Overall, a standardized protocol was required to better care for HIV-positive children and potential future CVD mortality.