The effect of HAART and HCV infection on the development of hyperglycemia among HIV-infected persons

Objective: To examine the prevalence and incidence of hyperglycemia among HIV-infected patients by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of 1230 persons on their first HAART regimen who had at least I random glucose measurement before and during antiretroviral therapy. Methods: The prevalence of hyperglycemia and the incidence of hyperglycemia were compared among persons with and without HCV infection while on a protease inhibitor (PI)-containing HAART regimen, a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-containing regimen, or a regimen that contained both a PI and an NNRTI. Hyperglycemia was defined as either 2 random glucose levels > 11.1 mM (200 mg/dL) or documentation of the diagnosis of diabetes in the medical record. Results: The prevalence of hyperglycemia was significantly higher in HCV-coinfected (5.9%) than HCV-uninfected persons (3.3%, P = 0.02). Among persons receiving HAART, both HCV coinfection (adjusted relative hazard [ARH], 2.28; 95% CI, 1.23-4.22) and PI use (ARH, 5.02; 95% Cl, 1.39-18.16) were independent risk factors of developing hyperglycemia. The incidence of hyperglycemia was highest among HCV-coinfected persons receiving a PI (5.6 cases per 100-person years) and only 1 person who was neither HCV-infected nor receiving a PI developed hyperglycemia. Conclusion: In this urban HIV cohort, the risk of hyperglycemia was increased in HCV-coinfected patients and those prescribed a PI.