The worldwide metabolic syndrome prevalence in people living with HIV: a systematic review

Abstract

Metabolic alterations have been reported in people living with HIV (PLHIV), related to viral infection, side effects of antiretroviral therapy, genetic, environmental and/or sociodemographic factors. We aimed to draw a global picture of prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in PLHIV. We performed a systematic review based on the PRISMA Statement method. We selected studies that investigated epidemiological characteristics of PLHIV who developed MetS in 4 databases: PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and Science Direct, using descriptors: HIV; prevalence; metabolic syndrome; epidemiology; antiretroviral therapy, highly active. A total of 1117 articles were identified, including 98 in the final analysis. The prevalence of MetS ranged from 7.8 to 55.8% (Internacional Diabetes Federation - IDF) and 7.1 to 58% (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III - NCEP/ATP III), being higher in African women than in African men (IDF), whereas European women and women of unknown origin were lower than women from Asia, South and North America (NCEP/ATP III). There is a high prevalence of MetS in PLHIV. The importance of multidisciplinary follow-up and encouragement of lifestyle changes in PLHIV is emphasized.