How different is body composition in subjects with lipodystrophy?
Table 2 lists average DXA results, at baseline, taken from subjects in three published studies in which abacavir was switched for d4T (3-5). Most or all of the subjects studied were male. Average fat-free mass, when reported, was not substantially different from the controls. Total and limb fat averaged 2.5-5 kg lower in the lipodystrophy groups than in the controls, while trunk fat was slightly higher in subjects with lipodystrophy than in the controls. The ratio of trunk-to-limb fat was about 2.5 times higher in subjects with lipodystrophy than in controls. The absolute amount of fat in the arms and legs were about one half that of the controls.
