Prevalence and cost of HIV-associated weight loss in a managed care population.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of HIV-associated weight loss among HIV patients in a US managed care population, and compare demographic and clinical characteristics of HIV patients with and without evidence of HIV-associated weight loss.

Research Design And Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using a large, geographically diverse US managed care population to identify commercial enrollees with HIV/AIDS from 1/1/2005-7/31/2007, based on a combination of HIV/AIDS diagnosis codes or antiretroviral treatment. HIV-associated weight loss status was defined according to an algorithm combining evidence for weight loss-associated conditions, anorexia symptoms, and various treatments for weight loss or wasting.