Influence of body composition on the respiratory muscle strength of children exposed to antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20194304955975

Abstract

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is important for suppressing HIV replication; however, adverse effects from prolonged use cause concern. With an increasing incidence of infection in children, the analysis of the maximum respiratory pressures of children exposed to HAART aims to observe possible changes related to continued use, such as: metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, fat redistribution abnormalities and respiratory musculature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body composition on the respiratory muscle strength of Amazonian children exposed to HIV therapy. It is believed that these children may have some degree of malnutrition and difficulties in accessing health services. The sample was composed of 60 volunteers, both genders, mean age of 7.85 years, in two groups: experimental (EG) (n=29) - exposed to HIV and therapy, and control (CG) (n=31) - not exposed to HIV or to therapy. The subjects were submitted to respiratory muscle strength (RMS) measurement by manovacuometry and body composition: Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation; measurement of tricipital skinfolds (TS), subscapular skinfolds (SS) and waist circumference (WC), to subsequently calculate the WC to height ratio. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test which identified a statistical significance between genders on maximum inspiratory (p = 0.01) and expiratory (p = 0.0008) pressures, and SS (p=0.04), TS (p=0.05) and WC (p=0.05) on Maximum Inspiratory Pressure. There was an influence of body fat distribution on respiratory muscle strength of female Amazonian children exposed to antiretroviral therapy of human immunodeficiency virus.