Influence of Antiretroviral Therapy on Lipid Profile in HIV Patients

Open Access

Abstract

Background: As dyslipidemia is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, it represents significant health issues for HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is limited information regarding ART treatment and its influence on lipid profiles manifest in HIV infected persons in Bangladesh. To determine the pattern and characteristic of lipid profile among HIV patients on WHO recommended firstline antiretroviral therapy, the study was performed. Methods & Materials: A total 51 HIV patients receiving ART for >1 year (group A) and 51 treatment naïve patients (group B) were enrolled in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Each patient was subjected to a full clinical examination, history-taking and lipid profile determination. After collection of the required data, analysis was performed in SPSS 27.0. Results: The mean age was 35.52±11.55 (SD) years among total study population and more than two third (77.5%) patients were male altogether. Majority of HIV infected patients had history of unprotected sex (89.2%) and 17.7% had history of transmission of HIV from partner. Mean values of serum lipid profile was found significantly higher among treatment receiver groups (TC=176.7±37.1, HDL=36.7±6.7, LDL=104.46±32.9, TG=196.86±88.91) compared to treatment naive patients (TC=151.9±35.6, HDL=31.9±10.6, LDL=87.8±25, TG=158.7±67.4). Being on ART for three or more years was associated with higher levels of TC and LDL-c (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study findings have suggested an association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and lipid abnormalities. However, further large multi-centre study is recommended.