A study of metabolic syndrome in antiretroviral therapy treatment naive HIV patients

The Metabolic syndrome has been known to occur in several chronic infections like HIV. Several studies have documented increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy. However, sparse data exists about metabolic syndrome in treatment naive HIV patients. We studied the prevalence and components of metabolic syndrome in treatment naive HIV patients. Study protocol: This cross sectional study included 134 HIV patients and controls. Different aspects of metabolic syndrome along with CD4 count was quantified. Results: Incidence of MeTS was significantly higher (34% against 7.5%) in HIV patients as compared to the control group. HIV patients had significantly higher triglycerides (163 (IQR 117-221.25) mg/dl vs 105.5( IQR 87.75 - 141.25)mg/d, lower HDL-C (23.1mg/dl ( IQR 16.8-30.30) mg/dl vs.37.2 ( IQR 31.18-44.62)mg/dl) ,lower waist circumference and BMI as compared to controls (p<0.001) along with higher fasting blood glucose levels. There was no significant difference in the values of blood pressure and uric acid. Higher incidence of metabolic syndrome was seen in HIV patients with CD4 count > 350/µl and WHO stages 1 and 2. Conclusion: MeTS was present in treatment naive HIV patients which is more often seen with CD4 count> 350/ µl and earlier stages of the infection