Latin America: Monitoring Cholesterol, Other Parameters Urged for Children With HIV

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).

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