An observational study on the prevalence of dyslipidemia and dysglycemia in human immunodeficiency virus patients

Context: Dyslipidemia and dysglycemia are prevalent among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Besides antiretroviral therapy, other factors like opportunistic infections may contribute to the development of these disorders. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of dysglycemia and dyslipidemia in HIV patients. Settings and Design: An observational cross-sectional study was done over a period of six months at the Gandhi Memorial and Associated Hospital, Lucknow, India (a tertiary care centre in north India). Materials and Methods: A total of 85 consecutive HIV patients, >15 years of age attending the outdoor clinic were enrolled. A single fasting blood sample was taken to estimate the sugar and lipid parameters. Acutely ill and previously diagnosed patients of diabetes mellitus were excluded. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were presented in percentage and mean values. Statistical analysis was done by using software Stata Version 11 Texas. Results: The mean (SD) age of the studied patients was 34.34 (8.3) years. The prevalence of dysglycemia was 30.9%; 10.9% patients were diagnosed to have frank diabetes mellitus while 20% patients had their blood sugars in the range of glucose intolerance. Prevalence rates of low high density lipoprotein (HDL), hypertriglyceridemia, raised low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol were 69.41%, 29.41%, 10.58%, and 9.41% respectively. Conclusions: Dysglycemia and dyslipidemia are more prevalent among HIV patients. Advanced disease and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive patients have higher rates of dysglycemia and dyslipidemia. High prevalence of low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia and impaired glucose intolerance comprising three components of metabolic syndrome are found in HIV patients. Hence, HIV disease itself is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.