Mechanisms of lipid elevations associated with the treatment of patients with HIV infection.
OBJECTIVE
Dyslipidemia and other metabolic abnormalities, which are associated with the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection, are of concern to patients and healthcare providers. The objective of this review is to present the current understanding of the dyslipidemia associated with the protease inhibitor (PI)-component of HAART: its possible origin, potential consequences, and management techniques.
Peer-reviewed, published literature was identified via MEDLINE. Other sources included abstracts from recent HIV-related conferences that presented data pertinent to the topic. Studies were selected based on their impact on our understanding of HIV infection and its treatment.
Relevant portions of the publications considered were compiled and conclusions were drawn based on the clinical experience of the author.


CONCLUSIONS
Dyslipidemia associated with current PIs should be a serious consideration when initiating long-term treatment of HIV infection. Current management techniques that include lipid-lowering agents may be improved and streamlined by incorporating a lipid-friendly PI into HAART.
Piliero
Peter J
PJ
Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA. PilierP@mail.amc.edu
D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism*