Nutritional Status, Serum Proteins, and Some Trace Elements in HIV Drug-Naive Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional status, serum proteins, and some trace elements in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) drug-naive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Twenty-five drug-naive subjects, 25 subjects on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and 20 control subjects aged 21 to 65 years were conveniently recruited. Serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin were assayed spectrophotometrically. In contrast, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. CD4 count was done by Flow Cytometry. Then, the nutritional assessment was performed using a subjective global assessment questionnaire.

Weight, body mass index, and mid-upper arm circumference were significantly lower (p = 0.000) in the drug-naive HIV subjects than in subjects on HAART and control. Serum total protein and copper were significantly higher (p = 0.000) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to subjects on HAART and control. In contrast, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, hemoglobin, iron, zinc, and selenium were significantly lower (p = 0.000) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to HIV subjects on HAART and control subjects. The CD4 count of drug-naive HIV subjects was significantly lower (p = 0.000) compared to subjects on HAART. In addition, malnutrition was higher in the drug-naive subjects.

Monitoring the course of HIV infection and malnutrition can be aided by incorporating measurements of nutritional status and some trace elements into routine laboratory tests.