Patients with HIV facial lipoatrophy (FLA) had improved quality of life scores after treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, report Derek Ho of the Sacramento VA Medical Center, and coauthors.
A prospective, open-label, phase I and II study assessed 20 patients with an HIV FLA Carruthers Lipoatrophy Severity Scale (CLSS) grade of 2 or higher, who had not received treatment for HIV FLA in the past year. Volumizing of the cheeks and temples was performed using a 20 mg/mL HA filler, with an optional touch-up at 2 weeks follow-up. Patients were given a vision exam before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 15 minutes after treatment.
Quality of life was assessed before treatment and at 12 months follow-up using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Satisfaction was evaluated using a subject satisfaction questionnaire at 12 months follow-up, Mr. Ho and his colleagues reported.
DLQI scores were 1.6±3.0 (range = 0-11) and 0.5±1.2 (range = 0-5) at baseline and follow-up, respectively, the authors said. Additionally, 100% of patients reported high satisfaction as indicated by answers on the subject satisfaction questionnaire, they added.
The investigators warned, however, that they would not recommend the DLQI in the future as a measure of quality of life, as this scale focuses on disability, and fails to account for mental health issues.
Still, the findings highlight “the importance of educating and offering aesthetic and corrective treatment to all patients with HIV FLA,” the authors concluded.
Read the full article in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.