HIV wasting syndrome

According to Medical Subject Headings, HIV wasting syndrome, also called AIDS wasting syndrome, is defined by involuntary weight loss of greater than 10 percent associated with intermittent or constant fever and chronic diarrhea or fatigue for more than 30 days in the absence of a defined cause other than human immunodeficiency virus infection. A constant feature is major muscle wasting with scattered myofiber degeneration. A variety of etiologies, which vary among patients, contributes to this syndrome.

In men, it is associated with hypogonadism and has been treated with supplemental androgens. Low androgen levels also have been observed in women, and clinical trials of testosterone patches have shown promise.

There is considerable interest in the use of marijuana for the syndrome, and there is substantial use outside formal trials. It has been difficult, however, to get approval for trials.