Study of Metabolic Syndrome In HIV - Positive Patients In A Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background and objectives There has been a decline in morbidity and mortality since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV. However, evidence suggests emergence of a number of metabolic derangements. The present study was carried out to find out the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in HIV patients and to assess the clinical and laboratory profile of these patients. Methodology This one year cross sectional study was conducted during the period of January 2012 to December 2012 in the Department of Medicine, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum. A total of 75 HIV positive patients were studied. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was done according to NCEP ATP III criteria. Results In the present study, majority (76%) of the patients were males. Most of the patients (37.33%) were aged between 41 to 50 years and the mean age was 42.03±10.35 years. Antiretroviral treatment was present in 62.67% of the patients. The body mass index in 33.33% patients was between 25 to 29.99 Kg/m2 with mean being 24.17±3.60 Kg/m2. Pallor was present in 53.33% and clubbing, edema and icterus was noted among 5.33% patients each. Crepitations (4%) and decreased air entry (4%) were noted in respiratory system. The CNS examination (4%) revealed ataxia (1.33%), nystagmus (1.33%) and neck rigidity (1.33%) while per abdominal findings revealed hepatomegaly (2.67%). The fasting blood sugar levels in 16% of the patients were ≥ 110 mg/dL. Abnormal high density lipoprotein was noted in 81.33% patients and abnormal triglyceride levels were noted in 49.33% patients. Conclusion and interpretation The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 21.33%. Among these, three components were present in 14 (87.5%) patients and four components in two (12.50%). Statistically significant association was found between metabolic syndrome and ART treatment, waist circumference, raised blood pressure levels and body mass index.