ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Though the initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has led to decreased HIV/AIDS related mortality, the regimen has been reported to be associated with lipid toxicities. Baseline data on such disturbances are required to induce countrywide interventional HIV/AIDS programs. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risks of dyslipidemia in HIV patients on HAART medication in Eritrea. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients in two national referral hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and blood sample was taken for analyses of lipid profile tests. Data was analyzed using chi-square test, Post Hoc and logistic regression in SPSS software. RESULTS: The study included 382 participants of whom 256(67%) were females. Their median age, CD4+ T cell count (cell/microliter) and duration of HAART (years) was 45(IQR: 38-51), 434(IQR: 294-583) & 5(IQR: 3-5) respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 331(86.6%). Increased Low Density Lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) 213(55.8%) was the predominant abnormality. Abacavir was significantly related with highest means of triglycerides (TG) (228.17 ± 193.81) and lowest means of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C) (46.94 ± 12.02). Females had substantially higher proportions of TG (aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.65-5.05) and TC/HDL ratio (aOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.40-3.87) and low HDL-C (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.34-3.48). Increased age was related with increased pro-atherogenic lipid parameters. High LDL-C was more infrequent in non-smokers (aOR = 0.028, 95% CI: 0.12-0.69). CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV-patients receiving HAART in Eritrea. Sex, age and smoking practice were among key factors associated with dyslipidemia. The necessity to assess lipid profiles and other cardiovascular risk factors before initiation of HAART treatment and continuous monitoring during therapy is mandatory.