AIDS Wasting

AIDS wasting syndrome is a condition associated with advanced HIV disease. It involves overall weight loss, but more importantly, the loss of lean cadaver mass, or muscle, which sometimes may be replaced by fat. Weight loss results from a number of factors, alone or in combination, including lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, oral problems that build eating difficult, and problems related to intestinal absorption and use of nutrients. The condition was much more prevalent in the developed planet before combination antiviral remedy became available.

A correct diagnosis and the proper intervention for each individual are as important in treating AIDS wasting as they are for any other medical difficulty. Early intervention is often most successful, and a variety of effective and relatively inexpensive tools (such as nutritional supplements, appetite stimulants, and exercise) can be used. HGH is not a universal treatment for treating AIDS wasting. While it can have a dramatically beneficial effect in some individuals (presumably those with a deficiency of natural HGH), the majority may see no good.

The current hGH regimen for AIDS wasting consists of a daily injection administered at bedtime to mimic the natural cycle of growth hormone release into the bloodstream. The dose is 4-6 mg, based upon body weight. HGH alone is likely to effect in weight gain that is primarily fat, while adding a regimen of resistance exercise, such as weight training, can help construct lean cadaver mass. The average cost of HGH remedy for AIDS wasting is approximately $250 per day.

Risks and Side Effects:
Because hGH is a protein that would be destroyed in the stomach and intestines by digestive enzymes, it cannot be taken as a pill and must be injected subcutaneously (under the skin). HGH should not be taken by people with acute critical illness due to complications of open heart or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma, or acute respiratory failure. HGH may stimulate the growth of active tumors and should not be used by people who have cancers that are not under control. HGH also may affect blood triglyceride levels and may increase the risk of developing diabetes in those who are already at risk, particularly people who are obese. Individuals taking insulin may need to have their doses adjusted. In spite of Dr. Kotler's findings, there may be increased cardiovascular risk with long-term HGH use, perhaps related to insulin resistance. Studies of growth hormone have not been conducted in pregnant women.

Up to 50% of all people experience mild to moderate musculature discomfort when starting hGH, and about 25% experience some fluid retention and swelling of the hands and feet. While both generally decrease as the body becomes accustomed to the drug, a significant number of people must stop taking HGH due to these side effects. Some people develop carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS, a condition characterized by numbness, pain, or tingling in the wrists or hands) while taking HGH, CTS typically resolves when the drug is discontinued. Other possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and chest pain; only rarely are these severe enough to require discontinuation of treatment.