Clinical management and follow-up of hypercholesterolemia among perinatally HIV-infected children enrolled in the PACTG 219C study.

BACKGROUND

Hypercholesterolemia is common in perinatally HIV-infected (HIV+) children, but little is known about the clinical course and management in this population.

METHODS

We studied HIV+ children in a multisite prospective cohort study (Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group 219C) and considered follow-up for 2 years after development of hypercholesterolemia. We estimated the time and factors associated with resolution of hypercholesterolemia and described changes in antiretroviral regimen and use of lipid-lowering medications. We defined incident hypercholesterolemia as entry total cholesterol (cholesterol) <220 mg/dL and 2 subsequent consecutive cholesterol ≥ 220 mg/dL and defined resolution of hypercholesterolemia as 2 consecutive cholesterol <200 mg/dL after incident hypercholesterolemia.

RESULTS

Among 240 incident hypercholesterolemia cases, 81 (34%) had resolution to normal cholesterol within 2 years of follow-up (median follow-up = 1.9 years). The median age of cases was 10.3 years with 54% non-Hispanic black and 53% male. Resolution to normal cholesterol was more likely in children who changed antiretroviral regimen (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.45 to 3.88) and who were 13 years and older (aHR = 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 4.27). Types of regimen changes varied greatly, and 15 children began statins.

CONCLUSION

The majority of children who develop hypercholesterolemia maintain elevated levels over time, potentially placing them at risk for premature cardiovascular morbidity.