What could lead to weight gain in an HIV patient at 53?

Question

Hi doctor,

Eight months back, my best friend's husband, who is 53 years old, was diagnosed with positive HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), hepatitis B, and lymph node TB (Tuberculosis). He is taking proper medicine, but gained so much weight. Now, for over a week, he has been having cold and cough during evening.

He is a smoker. Is he currently in an advanced stage of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)? Please reply. The laboratory reports showed liver and spleen enlargement, lung veins inflamed and biopsy of lymph node showed TB. His weight was 69 before eight months and now he is 87.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Extra pulmonary tuberculosis, that is (Tuberculosis)TB other than of the lungs is usually an indicator of poor immunity and can be seen in advanced stages of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus).

However, cluster of differentiation CD4 count also plays a very vital role in determining if the patient has a chance to recover from such infections or deteriorate further into HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). As the patient has shown signs of improvement, it is a positive thing. Any patient can upgrade their health status if their immunity is good.

Kindly mention the CD4 count and current medication being taken.