Detectable HIV viral load is associated with metabolic syndrome.
BACKGROUND
The aim of our study was to assess the association between HIV viral load (HIV-VL) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a cohort of HIV-infected patients.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study including 1324 consecutive HIV-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy regimens.


RESULTS
Variables significantly associated with MS in univariate analysis were: age [mean +/- SD: 47.04 +/- 7.41 vs 44.07 +/- 6.82, (P < 0.0001)]; male sex [224 (69.35%) vs 614 (61.34%) (P = 0.009)]; Apo B (mg/dL) [111.51 +/- 29.64 vs 100.57 +/- 31.22, (P < 0.0001)]; homeostasis model assessment equation [median (interquartile range), 5.14 (3.00-8.15) vs 2.95 (1.93-4.57), (P < 0.0001)]; body mass index [25.17 +/- 4.40 vs 22.80 +/- 3.38, (P < 0.0001)]; protease inhibitor current use (%) [199 (61.61) vs 529 (52.85), (P = 0.006)]; and log10 HIV-VL [2.17 +/- 0.94 vs 2.02 +/- 0.79, (P = 0.0048)]. MS associated variables in multivariable analysis were: log10 HIV-VL [odds ratio (OR): 1.25; P = 0.003], age (per 10-year increment) [OR: 1.60; P < 0.0001], homeostasis model assessment equation > or =3.8 [OR: 2.77; P < 0.0001].


CONCLUSIONS
Persistent viremia is a significant predictor for the development of MS. Viral control through effective antiretroviral therapy is paramount not only for the control of HIV disease progression but also for the prevention of MS and associated cardiovascular disease.
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Infectious Diseases Clinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. nicosqui@inwind.it
Nicola
N
Squillace
Stefano
S
Zona
Chiara
C
Stentarelli
Gabriella
G
Orlando
Barbara
B
Beghetto
Giulia
G
Nardini
Roberto
R
Esposito
Giovanni
G
Guaraldi
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001786:Blood Glucose; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000502:physiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D019562:Viral Load
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose; D012367:RNA, Viral