Growth hormone and tesamorelin in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy

HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) develop a complex of body composition changes known, including peripheral fat loss (lipoatrophy) and central fat accumulation (lipohypertrophy). These changes may cause significant patient distress, which could in turn interfere with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Treatment options - including antiretroviral switch, insulin sensitizers, and surgical approaches - have been associated with limited success and potential complications. The observation that low growth hormone levels are associated with central fat accumulation among HIV patients has led to the development of tesamorelin (a growth hormone releasing hormone analog) for the management of central fat accumulation. Randomized controlled trials have shown that administration of tesamorelin is safe and effective in reducing central fat accumulation among HIV-infected patients. This effect is transient, however, and its association with improved cardiovascular risk remains unclear.