Climaterium, HIV and Antiretroviral Therapy: assessment of lipid profile in cross-sectional study

Abstract

The incidence of HIV infection and AIDS disease has increased significantly among women in last couple of years. With the introduction of HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy), the mortality of patients has decreased and they have been experiencing a better quality of life. As a consequence, many infected women are reaching menopause and they must deal with the physiological oscillations of this period of life. One of them is the change in the lipid profile, with higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides fraction and lower concentrations of HDL cholesterol. Studies found an association between HIV and dyslipidemia and also between anti-retrovirals and dyslipidemia. Climacteric women infected by HIV and making use of the anti-retroviral therapy may have an overlap of factors which, in general, lead to an unfavorable lipid profile and may lead to a higher risk of atherogenesis and cardiovascular diseases.Objective: Compare the prevalence of dyslipidemia in climacteric women who are HIV-seropositive with seronegative climacteric women and associate it with different regimens of antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Subjects and Methods: 120 HIV positive and 120 seronegative women between 40 and 60 years will be evaluated. All will undergo an interview to collect socio-demographic and clinical data as well as data on their total cholesterol, fractions and triglycerides.Statistical analysis: Data will be compared using chi-squared test, Student's t-test to compare averages and multiple regression analysis. These analyzes will be performed using the SAS software.