HIV patients who suffer from facial wasting associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may be helped by injections of poly-L-lactic, Washington DC-based researchers report in the February issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Change in facial appearance, such as sunken cheeks and hollow eyes, is one of the emotionally devastating and stigmatizing side effects of HIV/AIDS and the drugs used to treat it.

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of poly-L-lactic acid for the restoration and/or correction of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy.

This approval has enabled physicians to restore the volume necessary to correct significant concavities or defects in the skin.

Dr. Cheryl M. Burgess and her colleague Dr. Rafaela M. Quiroga of the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery evaluated poly-L-lactic acid for the treatment of HIV-associated facial wasting in 61 HIV-infected men.

They underwent multiple injections of poly-L-lactic acid over a 5-month period, and all had a successful outcome at a 6 months’ follow-up.

This was defined as smoothing of the skin and improved overall appearance, which was achieved after an average of three treatment sessions. All patients were very pleased with the results and 13 requested additional treatment sessions.

There were no serious side reactions and, said Burgess, “as a result of the overwhelming patient response, tolerability and satisfaction, I have been encouraged to continue facial restoration with poly-L-lactic acid in patients with facial wasting.”

SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2005.