Biomedical Research

Objective: Evaluation of Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) in HIV-infected patients.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of risk factors for HHCY (>14 mmol/L) in patients infected with HIV for more than three years and treated, or not, with different combinations of HAART. Eighty cases were selected for this study.

Results: 46.3% (n=37) of HIV infected have HHCY. Hepatitis B or C co-infection and lower levels of Total Antioxidative System (TAS) are the most important factors associated with HHCY (OR=3.2, p=0.021 and OR=63.9, p=0.027, respectively). Although not statistically significant, the HHCY individuals have more cases of overweight and obesity, IP HAART scheme, lipodystrophy, and higher levels of Homa index. The sample with 2 criteria for Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and with MS, has significantly higher mean values of HCY compared to those without MS group.

Conclusions: The presence of hepatitis B or C co-infection and lower levels of TAS are the most important factors associated with HHCY in a group of patients infected with HIV, with or without HAART. Within this group, those with 2 criteria for SM or with SM have higher values of HCY.

Author(s): Duro M, Manso MC, Rebelo I, Medeiros R, Almeida C
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