Review of oral K-PAX micronutrient supplementation in HIV-positive patients: six months experience in urban setting
Background: Patients with HIV/AIDS frequently require nutritional supplementation due to malabsorption from HIV and opportunistic infections involving gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in HIV-positive patients receiving micronutrient supplementation. K-PAX (K-PAX, Inc. Mill Valley, California, USA) is a novel combination of micronutrients formulated for the immunocompromised
Methods: Retrospective review of electronic medical records of 60 HIV-positive patients who received 6 months of K-PAX .We recorded CD4 count, viral load, body weight, demographic data, antiretroviral therapy, viral hepatitis co-infection and substance abuse data.
Results: Gender distribution: 51 (85%) male, 8(13%) female, 1 (2%) transgender. Race: 20 (33%) White, 20 (33%) Hispanic/Latino, 18 (30%) African American, 1(2%) Asian, 1 (2%) American Indian.Average age was 47.7, range 26-81.HIV risk factors: 43 MSM, 11 heterosexual, 4 IVDU, 2 unknown. 54 (90%) patients were on antiretroviral regimen. Current substance use was noted in 9 patients. 7 patients were Hepatitis C positive and one patient had chronic Hepatitis B.35 patients had undetectable viral load at the initiation of K-PAX. Average HIV viral load was 2.498 log10 at the time of KPAX initiation, average after 6 months of K-PAX was 2.405 log 10, the difference was not statistically significant, P-0.445. Average CD4 count prior to KPAX was 426, range 65-1336, average after 6 month 414, range 46-1075, this difference was not statistically significant, p-0.49.Average weight before K-PAX was 166.8 lbs, range 90-246; weight after 6 months of K-PAX 169.6, range 90-249; the increase in weight was statistically significant, p-0.007
Conclusion: After 6 months of K-PAX supplementation, there was no significant change in CD4 count or HIV viral load of patients in our cohort, who were predominantly males on standard antiretroviral therapy. There was a statistically significant increase in body weight after 6 months of K-PAX; average increase in weight was 3lbs.
L. Tsveniashvili, C. Lech, G. Psevdos, V. Sharp
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, Center for Comprehensive Care, New York, United States