METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY TREATMENT EXPERIENCED BY PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) constitutes a group of risk factors that significantly affect the quality of life and life expectancy of people living with HIV.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of MS among people living with HIV who receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM).

Material and methods: A study was conducted on 53 adult patients with confirmed HIV infection at the University Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions, who are receiving ART. In all patients, the presence of MS was determined according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel ATP III (NCEP ATP III), defined by at least three of five risk factors including: low values of HDL - high density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated waist circumference, hypertriglyceridemia, increased values of fasting glucose and hypertension. The statistical analysis was made by utilizing the statistical program SPSS 23.0.

Results: The average age of patients was 35.7 ± 8.3, with a male predominance of 90.57%. All patients had undetectable values of HIV RNA viral load in serum and 79.25% had achieved immune reconstitution with a CD4 count above 350 cells/ml. The prevalence of MS among people living with HIV in RNM was 7.55%, or out of 53 respondents 4 had MS.

Conclusion: People with HIV infection in RNM who regularly receive ART have a low prevalence of metabolic syndrome.