Biochemical Parameters in HIV Patients with Lipodystrophic Features

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which was first reported in the United States in 1981 has the potential to cause catastrophic medical and social effect because of its Immunosuppressive effect (Sabatier, 1987; Abimuku et al., 1995; Blattner, 1991; National STD, AIDS Control 1992). Lipodystrophy is a defective fat metabolism of Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy experienced by HIV patients on Anti-Retroviral therapy (ARV) (Grunfeld, 2001). The aim of this study was to determine the Lipid profile, total protein and glucose concentration in 14 HIV patients on ARV with Lipodystrophy. 28 HIV patients were recruited randomly in the outpatient clinic of the infectious disease unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), their blood samples collected, centrifuged and analyzed. The lipid profile, albumin and bilirubin were increased while glucose and total protein concentration were decreased in patients with Lipodystrophy. 62.8% of females and 37.2% of males, and 59% of married victims and 41% of singles were affected. 47.8% attended tertiary institution, 31.2% of secondary schools and 21% primary school level. Patients with Lipodystrophy were on ARV treatment for a period of 17 – 24 months while those without Lipodystrophy were on ARV for a period of 8 – 12 months. This study showed increase in the mean concentrations of HDL-Cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin and bilirubin and decrease in the mean concentration of glucose and total protein in patients with Lipodystrophy.