The lipid profile of HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in a rural Cameroonian population

Abstract

BackgroundLong term use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) is associated with disturbances in blood lipids which should be monitored. More data on such disturbances are needed in Cameroon to persuade the country program to institute their routine monitoring. We then sought to determine the prevalence and timing of dyslipidaemia in PLWHIV and receiving ART in a predominantly rural Cameroonian setting.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted between August and October 2012 in HIV-infected persons aged 15 years or more and receiving first-line ART for at least six months at The Nkongsamba Regional Hospital in Cameroon. Lipid assays were carried out by enzymatic-linked colorimetric methods. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess for factors related to dyslipidaemia.ResultsIncluded were 114 participants of whom 83 (72.8%) were females. Their median age was 43 years (IQR: 36–51) and their median CD4 count was 436 cells/μl (IQR: 275–585) after a median duration on ART of 36 months (IQR: 12–60). The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was 70.2%. Hypercholesterolaemia was observed in 34 (29.8%) patients. One-third of them had a high LDL-cholesterol level (LDL-c ≥ 130 mg/dl). Hypertriglyceridaemia (TG ≥ 150 mg/dl) was present in 59 (51.8%) cases. The proportion of patients with a low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c < 40 mg/dl) was 18.4% while those with a ratio of TC/HDL-c ≥ 5 were about 16.7%. A duration of 2–4 years on ART (adjusted Odd Ratio, aOR = 5.22, 95% CI: 1.43-19.06, p = 0.01), current smokers (aOR = 15.94, 95% CI: 1.13-225.61, p = 0.04) and a concurrent metabolic disease (aOR = 12.54, 95% CI: 1.02-153.86, p = 0.48) were independently associated with pro-atherogenic LDL-c values. Alcohol users had a more friendly LDL-c profile (aOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.74, p = 0.01).ConclusionThe study has demonstrated a high prevalence of dyslipidaemia in HIV-patients receiving first-line ART in a predominantly rural setting of Cameroon. There is a need for the country HIV program to institute laboratory monitoring of blood lipids in patients over two years on first line ART with a focus on smokers.

Comparison of Prevalence of Dyslipidemia and Carotid Atherosclerosis among Newly Diagnosed HIV Reactive Patients and Those on ART

“…Correlation between lipid profile and CIMT was analysed and there was found positive correlation between Serum Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c and CIMT while negative correlation between Serum HDL-c and CIMT. The results of the study were in correlation with studies conducted by Calza et al in 2009, [6] PNS et al in 2013, [7] V I et al in 2014, [8] , Bekolo et al in 2014, [9] Limas et al in 2014. [10] Previous reports have demonstrated that HIVinfected patients exhibit multiple abnormalities in lipid metabolism parameters both in pre-HAART and post-HAART eras, especially with the use of protease inhibitors (PIs).…”

Serum iron, Folate, Ferritin and CD4 Count in HIV Seropositive Women

“…The world has the potential to reach at least 90 % of pregnant women living with HIV with antiretroviral interventions by 2015 [1]. An estimated 35.3 million people worldwide were living with HIV and Sub-Saharan Africa was the region most heavily affected at the end of 2012 [2].…”

A Study of Dyslipidaemia in Hiv Patients Receiving Haart

“…This prevalence is higher than that reported from two similar studies in Cameroon. 25 and that found in rural Ugandans. 26 The prevalence of high LDL-c in our study was similar to the prevalence reported from India.…”