Lipid disorders in antiretroviral-naive patients treated with lopinavir/ritonavir-based HAART: frequency, characterization and risk factors

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, characteristics and risk factors of lipid changes associated with lopinavir/ritonavir treatment in antiretroviral-naive patients.

Methods: A prospective cohort of 107 antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected patients was followed for 12 months after starting lopinavir/ritonavir-based highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Results: At 12 months, percentages of patients with hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia were 17.4% and 40%, respectively. Mean increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides were 40.7 and 73.3 mg/dL. There was a significant increase in both low-density and high-density (HDL) cholesterol, and no increase in the total cholesterol/HDL ratio (from 4.16 at baseline to 4.49 after 12 months). Baseline cholesterol > 200 mg/dL and triglycerides > 150 mg/dL were independent risk factors for dyslipidaemia, while hepatitis C coinfection appeared to be protective.

Conclusions: Patients with elevated lipid values at baseline have the greatest risk of developing hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia after starting lopinavir/ritonavir. Antiretroviral-naive patients coinfected with hepatitis C have a low risk of developing hyperlipidaemia after starting lopinavir/ritonavir.