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Highly active antiretroviral therapy

HIV/AIDS Study Reveals Lipid Profile Abnormalities Among Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Kinshasa have conducted a study to describe the lipid profile of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy in a hospital setting in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study, published in the Orapuh Journal, found that despite the beneficial effects of antiretroviral therapy, metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidaemia are increasingly reported. The study population comprised 407 patients, with a predominance of women (70.3%), and found that total hypercholesterolaemia was observed in 51 patients (25.2%), LDL hypercholesterolaemia in 20 patients (9.9%), HDL hypocholesterolaemia in 68 patients (27.87%), and hypertriglyceridaemia in 29 patients (14.4%). The study concluded that the lipid profile of patients on antiretroviral therapy in this study was marked by the presence of dyslipidaemia, with male sex, age over 50 years, hypertension, and alcohol consumption being associated factors in the development of lipid abnormalities among PLHIV.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that despite the beneficial effects of antiretroviral therapy, metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidaemia are increasingly reported among patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • The study population comprised 407 patients, with a predominance of women (70.3%), and found that total hypercholesterolaemia was observed in 51 patients (25.2%), LDL hypercholesterolaemia in 20 patients (9.9%), HDL hypocholesterolaemia in 68 patients (27.87%), and hypertriglyceridaemia in 29 patients (14.4%).
  • The study concluded that male sex, age over 50 years, hypertension, and alcohol consumption were associated factors in the development of lipid abnormalities among PLHIV.
  • The study highlights the need for monitoring and managing lipid abnormalities among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Statistics:

  • 407 patients were included in the study.
  • 70.3% of patients were women.
  • 25.2% of patients had total hypercholesterolaemia.
  • 9.9% of patients had LDL hypercholesterolaemia.
  • 27.87% of patients had HDL hypocholesterolaemia.
  • 14.4% of patients had hypertriglyceridaemia.

Sources:

  • Lipid profile of people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy monitored in a hospital setting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Orapuh Journal, 2025,6(6).
  • University of Kinshasa.

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