EFFECT OF ANABOLIC-STEROIDS ON HIV-RELATED WASTING MYOPATHY

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is frequently associated w ith weakness and muscle wasting, referred to as HIV-1 wasting myopathy . This illness, often observed in the advanced stages of acquired immu nodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), responds poorly to therapeutic intervent ion. We describe the cases of three AIDS patients with HIV-1 wasting m yopathy who had a favorable response to anabolic steroids as evidenced by an improvement in strength, muscle bulk, body weight, and sense of well-being.