Cholesterol Levels in HIV- and/or HCV-Infected Drug Users Living in Argentina
Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)
Published online on October 30, 2015
Abstract
Improved understanding of cholesterol levels in HIV- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected persons in Argentina will guide optimal antiretroviral therapy. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in Argentina to describe associations between HIV, HCV, and cholesterol. Of the 202 participants, 21 were HIV infected, 15 were HCV infected, 46 were HIV/HCV coinfected, and 120 were HIV/HCV uninfected. HIV/HCV-uninfected participants had the highest total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Multivariate modeling revealed that HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had the lowest TC levels (–28.7 mg/dL, P < .001) compared to the HIV/HCV-uninfected reference group. Hepatitis C virus and HIV/HCV coinfection were associated with lower LDL levels (–21.4 mg/dL, P = .001 and –20.3 mg/dL, P < .0001, respectively). HIV and HIV/HCV coinfection, but not HCV alone, were associated with lower high-density lipoprotein levels (–9.1 mg/dL, P = .0008 and –6.8 mg/dL, P = .0006, respectively). Further study is needed to examine whether the more favorable lipid profile observed in HIV/HCV-coinfected persons is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk.