Pattern of Lipid Profile in Adult HIV Seropositives in Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

To determine the lipid profile level in adult HIV seropositive participants. Blood samples collected from the 300 randomly recruited participants were used for HIV screening, CD4⁺ T cell count, total Cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglyceride. Standard Laboratory methods were used for the analysis. The results showed that the mean serum total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglyceride and CD4⁺ T cell levels were significantly different amongst the groups studied. The mean serum total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Triglyceride levels were significantly lower in symptomatic HIV participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared with those not on ART (P<0.05) but no significant difference was observed between the groups in CD4⁺ T cell level (p>0.05). The mean serum total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglyceride and CD4⁺ T cell levels were significantly lower in  symptomatic HIV participants on ART compared with control group (in each case). Also, the mean serum HDL and CD4⁺ T cell levels were significantly lower while the mean LDL was significantly higher in symptomatic HIV participants not on ART compared with  control subjects (P<0.05) but the values seen in total Cholesterol and Triglycerides were the same in both groups (P>0.05). Hypolipidaemia was seen in HIV positive participants.

Keywords: HIV, lipid profile, participants.