Clinical and echocardiographic findings in a cross-sectional study of HIV-infected adults in Enugu, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are implicated in cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic findings in HIV-infected adults.

METHODS

One hundred HIV subjects on HAART, 100 HAART-naïve patients and 100 controls were recruited in this cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Mean CD4 cell count was significantly higher in the HAART-exposed (408.43 ± 221.62) than the HAART-naïve groups (250.06 ± 154.26) ( < 0.001). Weight loss (49%), skin lesions (14%), body weakness (24%), oral thrush (10%) and lymphadenopathy (10%) were more prevalent in HAART-naïve patients ( < 0.05). Dimensions of aortic root (2.71 cm), left atrium (3.27 cm) and left ventricular mass index (79.95) were significantly higher in HIV-positive subjects on HAART ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical features of HIV and the CD4 nadir were more prevalent in the HIV-positive, HAART-naïve subjects. Dimensions of the aortic root, left atrium and left ventricle were relatively larger in the HAART-exposed patients while wall thickness and ejection fraction were higher in the HAART-naïve subjects.