ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to estimate the bioactivity, efficacy and safety of facial injections of a polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAIG), Aquamid® in HIV-infected patients with mild, moderate and severe degrees of facial lipoatrophy that may may cause severe psychological disturbances and lack of self-interest. A total of 29 patients were enrolled and assigned for injection of Aquamid®. At each treatment one to two vials of PAIG were injected on the first day and every four weeks for some months on the basis of different stages of facial lipoatrophy severity. The subjects were evaluated by clinical examination, and standardized photographs were taken before treatment, scheduled for 12, 24 and 48 weeks. Patients were also advised to avoid sunburn or frostbite in the area where polyacrilamide was injected. All of our patients were very satisfied with the aesthetic result and the consistency and elasticity of the treated area at the twelve month follow-up. All patients referred pain (scale 0-10) at the time of injection. Excellent results were confirmed in the parietal area and lower third of the face, upper jaw and lower jaw. The advantage of this hydrogel relates to its non-biodegradability and its good tolerability. Our product does not cause any allergic reaction or any other immunological effect either in animals or in humans, and above all it does not migrate.
Keywords: Lipoatrophy; HIV-infected patients; Polyacrylamide hydrogel; Facial augmentation; Adverse reactions.
Articolo presente in – HAART and correlated pathologies n. 4 –
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