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Relationship between CD4 Cell Count, Viral Load and Left Ventricular Function among HIV-1 Infected Patients

M M Baba1, F Buba2, M A Talle2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Nguru, P.M.B 02, Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria.

West African Journal of Medicine
|June 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with low CD4 cell counts and high viral loads show impaired left ventricular function. Early cardiac evaluation is crucial for HIV patients to prevent symptomatic heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy.
  • Low CD4 cell count and high viral load are independent risk factors for cardiac disease in HIV patients.
  • Asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction is prevalent in HIV-infected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between CD4 cell count, viral load, and left ventricular function in asymptomatic HIV patients.
  • To identify predictors of cardiac dysfunction in HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of asymptomatic HIV patients on HAART at Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Nigeria.
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0, including correlation and regression analyses.
  • Evaluation of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in relation to CD4 cell count and viral load.

Main Results:

  • High CD4 cell count (>500 cells/µL) correlated with preserved left ventricular systolic function.
  • Low CD4 cell count (<200 cells/µL) was associated with reduced left ventricular systolic function and diastolic dysfunction.
  • High viral load (>1500 copies/mL) was linked to reduced left ventricular systolic function and severe diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • CD4 cell count and viral load are significant predictors of left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic HIV patients.
  • Early evaluation of left ventricular function is recommended for HIV patients to prevent symptomatic cardiac decompensation.
  • Findings highlight the importance of monitoring cardiac health in HIV management.
Abstract

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