Nutritional status of HIV-1 seropositive patients in the Free State Province of South Africa--laboratory parameters.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the nutritional status of HIV-1 seropositive patients with regards to laboratory parameters; the correlation between nutrient intake and actual values of nutrients, as well as the relationship between malnutrition and disease progression.

DESIGN

A cross sectional study.

SETTING

The Immunology Clinic at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

SUBJECTS

90 HIV/AIDS patients in different stages of disease were recruited consecutively from January to May 1995. Sixteen patients were followed up in 1997.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The patients were divided into three groups according to their CD4+ T-cell counts, and blood levels of protein, albumin, cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin B12, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as several micronutrients including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and retinol which were determined using standard methods. These values were compared with the normal reference values used in the laboratory, and we tried to correlate these parameters with disease stage, as well as recorded nutrient intake in a subgroup of 35 patients.

RESULTS

Abnormal values for several parameters, including plasma-retinol and serum-protein were found, but no correlation between more advanced disease and micronutrient deficiencies could be demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV/AIDS patients from this population are deficient in several micronutrients, and for some patients this is mirrored by a low intake. Multivitamin/anti-oxidant supplementation of HIV/AIDS patients should be considered, as this could lead to improved immune function in these patients.