Point prevalence of metabolic syndrome in HIV positive patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related morbidity and mortality have declined over time, but this increased longevity may lead to the development of other diseases, which may further manifest as the metabolic syndrome (MS).

To find out the point prevalence of MS in HIV positive patients, a cross-sectional prospective observational study was conducted on 200 patients who approached ART plus Centre of Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu, including 50 symptomatic patients HIV negative as controls.

The mean age group in MS was 37.85 ± 6.61. Males consisted of 55% (110) and females consisted of 45% (90). The overall prevalence of MS was 13.5%, with prevalence in males being 16.3% and in females 10%. Patients receiving first line highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) showed a 24% prevalence, while that of second line HAART showed a 14% prevalence. Central obesity (47.3%) was the most common component of MS followed by hyperglycemia (43.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (38.6%), and low high density cholesterol (HDL-C) level (38.6%). Out of 84 males with MS, 94% (79) males were having hypertriglyceridemia, 88% (74) were hypertensive, and 72% (60) were having FBS >=100. Out of 66 females with MS, 100% (66) females had central obesity and 88% (58) had hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C levels.

The metabolic complications as a result of treatment with HAART leave HIV patients at a risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes in spite of improvements in morbidity and mortality. Risk factors like central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia should be taken into consideration well before to prevent the add-on effect of developing MS.