| Laboratory Parameters |
Frequent abnormal liver function tests and
blood lipid indices, especially low cholesterol occurred. Low albumin,
sodium, potassium, calcium, serum vitamin levels, hemoglobin and hematocrit
were seen as well, results of anemia, diarrhea and malabsorption.
|
A greater number of patients experienced
abnormal liver enzymes and testosterone levels along with high blood lipid
levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.) and high glucose levels. Tests
to measure bone density begin to occur.
|
The incidence of abnormal liver enzymes will
continue, due in part to an increased frequency of hepatitis. High blood
lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.) and glucose levels will
also continue to be documented. More Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
and Cat Scan (CT) testing will help to determine body composition distribution
and bone density.
|
| Nutrition Screening |
Nutrition screening began for hospitalized
AIDS patients in a few states during the later part of this decade due
to the efforts of a very limited number of nutrition professionals who
focussed on HIV/AIDS care. Due to the stigma of AIDS, many patients were
not admitted with an AIDS diagnosis making it difficult for clinicians
to offer nutritional services to them.
|
Screening occurred more frequently for high-risk
hospitalized AIDS patients. HIV-savvy nutrition professionals employed
in hospitals and those affiliated with AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs)
began to provide more regular nutrition screening for their patients as
the decade progressed. More people living with HIV also received nutrition
screening through county health care clinics, private infectious disease
clinics and physicians and dietitians in private practice. |
Nutrition professionals will increasingly
provide nutrition screening to HIV-positive people through hospitals, county
health care clinics, ASOs, private clinics and clinicians in private practice.
Nutrition screening through the Ryan White Care Act and other government-funded
services may be limited. More HIV-positive people seeking medical or food
assistance will receive MNT, which includes nutrition screening. Rescreening
of nutritional status may need to be addressed as a result of longer life
expectancies and changes in metabolic function.
|
