GLYCAEMIC AND LIPID PROFILES IN HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Background: This study assessed the effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) on glycaemic and lipid profiles, and to determine the pattern of glucose and lipid abnormalities at different periods of the treatment. Method: Two hundred (200) participants were enrolled in the study, which comprised fifty (50) HIV negative, fifty (50) HIV positive not on therapy (HAART naive), fifty (50) on therapy for 1-6 months and fifty (50) on HAART for 7-12 months. Glycaemic and lipid profiles were analyzed using enzyme based methods while CD4 cell counts were enumerated using flow cytometry. Results: Total Cholesterol, TAG, VLDL-C and FBS of control group did not differ significantly (P>0.05) in the entire three groups. The mean HDL-C was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the HAART naive group, and those on treatment for 1-6 months compared to control subjects. HDL-C increased with the increase in the level of CD4 cell counts. The LDL-C in the control was observed to be significantly lower (p<0.05) than those on treatment for 1-6 months. A significant increase (P<0.05) in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was observed in the entire groups, except those on therapy for 7-12 months compared to control group. Conclusions: From our study we suggest that glycaemic and lipid profile should be part of routine test for all HIV patients as part of monitoring their management.