Prevalence of Dyslipidemia and Metabolic Abnormalities in HIV-Infected Patients

Dyslipidemia has become a common problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, especially in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy. We investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 190 HIV positive patients who referring to behavioral disease consulting centers (Shemiranat, Varamin) and Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS in Tehran, were studied from December 2005 to December 2006.A standardized questionnaire with epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data was completed by physicians. Blood samples were obtained for metabolic measurements. CD4 cell count was measured by flow cytometry. Levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lactate were elevated in 16.9%, 29.9%, and 22.5% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels was significantly higher among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy than it was among those who were not receiving treatment. Fasting hyperglycemia was noted in 10.1% of patients overall, but this was not significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment group. Low HDL levels were noted in 52.4% of patients overall, and this finding did not vary by treatment group. There is a high prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients taking antiretroviral therapy in Iran. We conclude that the prevalence of and factors associated with metabolic abnormalities in HIV-infected Iranian patients are similar to those reported for Western and Asian studies.