Abstract

Background: Abnormalities of lipid metabolism are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients and tend to be accentuated in those receiving antiretroviral therapy, particularly with protease inhibitors (PIs). However, there is a dearth of information on serum lipid profiles and biochemical parameters among treatment-naive HIV-positive patients in our environment.

Aims & Objective: To study changes in lipid profiles and other biochemical parameters in HIV-1 infected patients.

Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was carried out on HIV- 1 infected patients attending anti-retroviral drug (ARV) clinic and who were started HAART between December 2012 and December 2013 from Gujarat state. Clinical, anthropometrical and laboratory data were recorded at the start of the study and after one years of HAART. Patients’ data were collected in a computerized database for later statistical analysis; Categorical variables were analyzed with the χ2 test, or the Fisher exact test when necessary.

Results: We found that after 12 months of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there was a significant increase in serum lipids. After 12 months of HAART, renal impairment was associated with a low increase in mean HDL and a high increase in triglycerides (TG). In conclusion, abnormality of serum lipid is common and showed female preponderance among treatment-naive HIV patients in our environment.

Conclusion: Patients with HIV infection on HAART should be screened for lipid disorders given their high prevalence as observed in this study, because of its potential for morbidity and mortality in patients on HAART.

Key words: Lipid Profile; HIV Infection; Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART