Changes in the lipid profile in people with HIV after one year of antiretroviral therapy – the significance of immune parameters

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze lipid profiles among people with HIV and observe changes in lipid parameters during 1 year of antiretroviral therapy (ART), with particular reference to immune parameters.

Methods

We analyzed adult newly diagnosed people with HIV (PWH) who started ART, continued uninterruptedly for 1 year and achieved complete viral suppression. Patients were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy. The cluster of differentiation (CD4) count, CD4:CD8 ratio, HIV type 1 viral load, and lipid profile were examined at HIV diagnosis and after 12 months of ART.

Results

The study included 70 patients. Significant increases in total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and decreases in triglyceride concentrations after 1 year of ART were observed. A baseline CD4 count <200/µl was associated with higher baseline LDL cholesterol (P = 0.036), and female sex with elevated total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.005; P = 0.011; P = 0.008). Patients with baseline CD4 counts <200/µl had significantly higher total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.033; P = 0.009; P = 0.009) and triglyceride (P = 0.003) levels after 1 year of ART than patients with CD4 levels ≥200/µl.

Conclusions

Lipid parameters should be regularly assessed in all PWH receiving ART, especially in patients with baseline CD4 counts <200/µl.