Temporal Trend and Clinical Outcomes in HIV and Non-HIV Patients following Liposuction: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Background: Because of the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are enjoying greater longevity with chronic conditions including abnormal adipose distribution. However, prior data on postoperative outcomes of liposuction in HIV-positive patients were limited by small sample size. Therefore, the authors aimed to compare differences in temporary trend, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between patients with and without HIV who underwent liposuction. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample database from 2010 to 2017 was queried to identify patients who underwent liposuction. Univariate, multivariate logistic regression and 1:4 propensity score–matched analyses were used to assess the primary outcomes (i.e., in-hospital mortality and postoperative outcomes) and secondary outcomes (i.e., discharge disposition, prolonged length of stay, and total cost). Results: Overall, 19,936 patients who underwent liposuction were identified, among whom 61 patients (0.31%) were infected with HIV. Patients with HIV were more likely to be male, insured by Medicare, and had more comorbidities and lower income. Unadjusted length of stay was longer among patients with HIV (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.99; P = 0.020); nevertheless, multivariable models and propensity score–matched analysis demonstrated that patients with HIV were no more likely to have complications than the general population. This was also the case for length of stay and total costs. Conclusions: The authors’ findings indicated that patients with HIV who underwent liposuction did not experience an increased risk of major complication or mortality. Liposuction could be safely considered as a surgical treatment for HIV-positive patients with local fat deposition. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.