Factors associated with preclinical disability and frailty among HIV- infected and HIV-uninfected women in the era of cART

Summary:

HIV- infected adults taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are living longer. As part of ongoing evaluations of HIV and its treatment, we were interested in assessing whether treated adults are at increased risk for disability or impaired physical functioning. In 2005, we asked participants to answer questions on their physical activity and ability to perform daily activities as well as perform the timed-walk and grip strength tests. We analyzed their results and compared it to CD4+ counts and history of clinical AIDS. We assessed the role of CD4+ counts and history of clinical AIDS, both measures of immune suppression, on disability. Women with CD4+ counts <100 cells/mL were at increased risk for being slower, weaker, and frail compared to HIV- uninfected women. Similar results were observed for history of clinical AIDS. Findings from this study suggest that HIV-infected adults with a history of HAART have a limited risk for disability, though a subset might benefit from target screening and prevention.

Citation: 

Terzian AS, Holman S, Nathwani N, Robison E, Weber K, Young M, Greenblatt RM, and Gange SJ. Factors associated with preclinical disability and frailty among HIV-infected and -uninfected women in the era of cART. J Women’s Health 2009;18(12):1965-1974.