Inflammation and mortality in HIV-infected adults: analysis of the FRAM study cohort

To determine the association of inflammatory markers, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (CRP), with 5-year mortality risk.

Vital status was ascertained in 922 HIV-infected participants from the Study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV infection. Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios after adjustment for demographic, cardiovascular, and HIV-related factors.

Over a 5-year period, HIV-infected participants with fibrinogen levels in the highest tertile (>406 mg/dL) had 2.6-fold higher adjusted odds of death than those with fibrinogen in the lowest tertile (<319 mg/dL). Those with high CRP (>3 mg/L) had 2.7-fold higher adjusted odds of death than those with CRP <1 mg/L. When stratified by CD4 count category, fibrinogen (as a linear variable) remained independently associated [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals)] per 100 mg/dL increase in fibrinogen: 1.93 (1.57 to 2.37); 1.43 (1.14 to 1.79); 1.43 (1.14 to 1.81); and 1.30 (1.04 to 1.63) for CD4 <200, 200-350, >350 to 500, and >500 cells per microliter, respectively. Higher CRP also remained associated with higher odds of death overall and within each CD4 subgroup.

Fibrinogen and CRP are strong and independent predictors of mortality in HIV-infected adults. Our findings suggest that even in those with relatively preserved CD4 counts >500 cells per microliter, inflammation remains an important risk factor for mortality. Further investigation should determine whether interventions to reduce inflammation might decrease mortality risk in HIV-infected individuals.