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Impact of metabolic complications on antiretroviral treatment adherence: Clinical and public health implications

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Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an effective strategy for preventing disease progression of HIV infection, particularly when patients adhere closely to the treatment regimen. However, ART medications can cause side effects, including metabolic complications that can impact patients’ adherence levels. Selected chronic complications associated with ART include lipodystrophy, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and bone disorders such as osteopenia/osteoporosis. In this article, we review the effects of these metabolic complications on ART adherence and approaches to prevent or reverse them

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Health, Global Disease Epidemiology and Control Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Suite W5031, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Jean B. Nachega

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  1. Jean B. Nachega
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  2. Maria Paola Trotta
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  3. Mark Nelson
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  4. Adriana Ammassari
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Correspondence to Jean B. Nachega.

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Nachega, J.B., Trotta, M.P., Nelson, M. et al. Impact of metabolic complications on antiretroviral treatment adherence: Clinical and public health implications. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 6, 121–129 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-009-0017-9

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