Study of factors affecting sarcopenia in PLHIV

Background: This study aims to determine the frequency of sarcopenia in PLHIV and determine the factors affecting sarcopenia in PLHIV. Methods: The patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study after obtaining informed consent. Case record form was used to record relevant history. SARC-F (sluggishness, assistance in walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, falls) score is recorded by questionnaire. Hand grip strength and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were recorded. The correlation between grip strength and SMI with the duration of treatment in different regimens of HAART in PLHIV were studied. Possible factors affecting sarcopenia were determined based on history taken. All the parameters were compared between patients with and without sarcopenia. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. R version 4.1.2 statistical software was used for the statistical analysis. Results: Sarcopenia was more commonly found in middle aged participants, who were less adherent to therapy, had a past history of tuberculosis, consumed alcohol, followed a vegetarian diet and did not exercise regularly. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is more common in middle-aged individuals with long-term AIDS, especially those on prolonged ART. It’s linked to non-adherence to ART, alcohol consumption, history of tuberculosis, and reduced physical activity. Strict adherence to ART, avoiding alcohol, increasing protein intake, and exercising regularly helps to combat this.