title: Relationship between Younger Age, Autoimmunity, Cardiometabolic Risk, Oxidative Stress, HAART, and Ischemic Stroke in Africans with HIV/AIDS.
abstract: Background and Purpose. It now appears clear that both HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (HAART) use are associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease such as stroke. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence, the risk factors, and the cardiometabolic comorbidities of stroke in HIV/AIDS Central African patients. Methods. This hospital-based cross-sectional study collected clinical, laboratory, and imaging data of black Central African heterosexual, intravenous drug nonuser, and HIV/AIDS patients. Results. There were 54 men and 62 women, with a female to male ratio of 1.2 : 1. All were defined by hypercoagulability and oxidative stress. Hemorrhagic stroke was reported in 1 patient, ischemic stroke in 17 patients, and all stroke subtypes in 18 patients (15%). Younger age <45 years (P = .003), autoimmunity (P < .0001), and metabolic syndrome defined by IDF criteria (P < .0001) were associated with ischemic stroke. Conclusions. Clustering of several cardiometabolic factors, autoimmunity, oxidative stress, and lifestyle changes may explain accelerated atherosclerosis and high risk of stroke in these young black Africans with HIV/AIDS. Prevention and intervention programs are needed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Longo-Mbenza
authors.forename: Murielle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Longokolo Mashi
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lelo Tshikwela
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mokondjimobe
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gombet
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ellenga-Mbolla
authors.forename: Augustin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nge Okwe
authors.forename: Nelly
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kangola Kabangu
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mbungu Fuele