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Researchers report that HIV-infected
children have increased levels of total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol and
triglycerides, which could increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. The
study, which examined insulin, lipid, and glucose levels in 249 perinatally
infected children in Latin America, found “abnormalities” in total cholesterol
(13 percent) LDL cholesterol (13 percent), HDL cholesterol (21 percent), and
triglycerides (34 percent). A smaller number also had “impaired fasting glucose
or insulin resistance.”
Because of improved treatment,
HIV-infected children can now expect to live “well into adulthood,” according
to study author Rohan Hazra, MD. He emphasized the importance of monitoring
lipid levels in HIV-infected children so they receive treatment that assures
the healthiest life possible. The study did not include a control group of
children not infected with HIV.
The full report, “Insulin Resistance
and Glucose and Lipid Concentrations in a Cohort of Perinatally HIV-Infected
Latin American Children” was published online in the Pediatric Infectious
Disease Journal (2013; doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e318286c774).
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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