Cardiovascular risk factors and ultrasound evaluation of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with HIV-1 infection.
A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate classical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid ultrasonography in HIV-positive subjects, naïve or treated with antiretroviral agents. A total of 66 patients were enrolled into the study: 21 subjects were naïve to all antiretroviral agents (group A) and 45 patients were treated with antiretroviral therapy for >or=36 months (group B). The prevalence of carotid plaques was significantly higher in group B than in group A (44.7% versus 0%; P = 0.014). In group B, patients with high 10-year risk of coronary heart disease showed a significantly higher intima-media thickness and prevalence of carotid lesions than those with low risk. Moreover, carotid lesions were structurally comparable to classical atherosclerotique plaques observed in the general population, with iso-hyperechonegic aspects and irregular surfaces. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in experienced patients is higher than in those naïve to highly active antiretroviral therapy and seems mostly associated with a longer duration of HIV infection, more severe lipid metabolism alterations, presence of lipodystrophy syndrome and a more elevated 10-year risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Calza
L
L
Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Nephrologic Diseases, Section of Infectious Diseases, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. leonardo.calza@unibo.it
Verucchi
G
G
Pocaterra
D
D
Pavoni
M
M
Alfieri
A
A
Cicognani
A
A
Manfredi
R
R
Serra
C
C
Chiodo
F
F
D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents