Lipids And Hscrp As Markers Of Coronary Heart Disease Risk In HIV Infected Adults

Life-expectancy among HIV-infected patients has risen due to use of antiretroviral drugs. However there are new concerns as accompanying metabolic and morphologic changes predispose HIV-infected individuals to cardiovascular disease. Progression of cardiovascular disease is a slow process marked by both changes in lipid levels and low grade systemic inflammation, assessed using highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients using lipids and hs-CRP levels. Serum and plasma samples were collected from HIV-infected adults who were antiretroviral therapy-experienced (n=87) or antiretroviral therapy-naive (n=10). Samples were analysed using Siemens® Dimension Xpand analyser. Mean hs-CRP for all participants suggested that they had some risk of cardiovascular disease in spite of antiretroviral therapy history. Of all 97 participants, 57.7% had elevated hs-CRP levels (u003e3mg/dL) suggesting high risk, 26.8% had levels between 1 and 3mg/dL (average risk) and 34% had levels below 1mg/dL (low risk). Lipid levels were normal in all participants and there was no correlation between hs-CRP and lipid levels. There was no significant difference in hs-CRP levels by sex, age and antiretroviral therapy history. Elevated hs-CRP levels of participants suggest that HIV-infected patients may be at risk of cardiovascular disease through low-grade inflammation.