Local treatment of facial lipodystrophy in patients receiving HIV protease inhibitor therapy.

Localized facial lipodystrophy is a socially disabling complication affecting many HIV-seropositive patients receiving triple combination therapy. The exact pathogenesis is not well understood and proper therapy is not available. The purpose of this pilot-study was to determine whether a hyaluronic acid get, used to treat wrinkles for cosmetic reasons, would be a safe and effective treatment for facial lipodystrophy in patients receiving triple combination therapy. Seven patients were treated with intradermal gel injections after skin tests. There were no immediate or late allergenic reactions or other side effects. Within the limitations of the product, overall satisfaction regarding the results was high.