Background: Lipodystrophy is a side-effect associated with treatment for human immunodeficiency virus HIV and is found chiefly on the face disappearance of buccal fat pads and is detrimental to self-esteem. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study in HIV-positive patients with facial lipoatrophy treated between and by means of subcutaneous injections of polylactic acid Newfill. We assessed the efficacy of treatment, the number of injections given, treatment methods and adverse effects.
Results: Eighty-three patients were treated between and Each patient received a mean of between 3 and 4 treatment sessions comprising subdermal injection of 1 ampoule of Newfill into each cheek. Ultrasound assessment of the dermis over the cheekbone was performed in 45 patients and showed an increase in dermal thickness of between 3 and 7 mm. Following injection, edema was observed in all cases and lasted between 1 and 2 days.
Five patients presented bruising at the injection sites. Two patients presented asymmetry lasting 4 months and requiring correction. Four patients had non-inflammatory granulomas, which were not visible but were palpable in 2 cases; all nodules regressed after 4 months. Discussion: Treatment of facial lipoatrophy in HIV patients by injection of polylactic acid Newfill was shown to be efficacious in the majority of subjects. Training in the administration of this treatment is needed to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.
A number of technical difficulties led to changes in treatment methods, i. Abstract Background: Lipodystrophy is a side-effect associated with treatment for human immunodeficiency virus HIV and is found chiefly on the face disappearance of buccal fat pads and is detrimental to self-esteem.
Substances Polyesters Polymers Lactic Acid poly lactide.
