Metabolic abnormalities and body composition in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy

Background: With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidaemia, changes in fat distribution and insulin resistance have been observed with increasing frequency in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Aims: This study was undertaken to (i) assess body composition and the metabolic effects of HAART in HIV infected patients and (ii) compare the above variables between different 1 st and 2 nd ART regimens of National AIDS Control Organization of India. Methods and Material: 201 HIV patients receiving HAART for more than 3 months were studied. Body mass composition was measured using TANITA segmental body composition monitor. The metabolic parameters measured included blood glucose, serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Results: Lipodystrophy was observed in 21.40% patients. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 18.24 ± 3.18 and mean visceral fat mass was 4.16 kg. Altered lipid profile was observed in 26.86% patients (25.55% on 1 st line and 38.09% on 2 nd line) and impaired glucose tolerance was seen in 7.96% (6.66% on 1 st line and 19.04% on 2 nd line). Conclusions: HAART has significant effect on the body mass composition and metabolic parameters.