Cardiovascular risk assessment: a comparison of the Framingham, PROCAM, and DAD equations in HIV-infected persons

Changes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk over time among people living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

To describe changes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk over time among people living with HIV (PLHIV).

METHODS

We used data from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) and the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD). Five-year ASCVD risk was calculated using the D:A:D equation. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were aged ≥18 years, had started ART, had no previous history of ASCVD and had complete ASCVD risk factor data available within the first 5 years of ART initiation.

RESULTS

A total of 3368 adults contributed data, 3221 were from TAHOD and 147 were from AHOD. The median age at ART initiation was 36 [IQR 31-43] years for TAHOD participants, and 42 [IQR 35-50] years for AHOD participants. Most TAHOD (70.4%) and AHOD (91.8%) participants were male. Overall, ASCVD risk increased from 0.84% (95% CI 0.81%-0.87%) at ART initiation to 1.34% (95% CI 1.29%-1.39%) after 5 years on ART. After adjusting for traditional and HIV-associated ASCVD risk factors, ASCVD risk increased at a similar rate among sub-populations defined by HIV exposure (heterosexuals, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs), race/ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian) and nadir CD4 at ART initiation (<200 and ≥200 cells/mm3).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings emphasize the growing burden of ASCVD risk among PLHIV and the need to develop interventions that are effective across a broad range of HIV sub-populations.

Effect of exercise engagement and cardiovascular risk on neuronal injury

INTRODUCTION

Neuronal health as a potential underlying mechanism of the beneficial effects of exercise has been understudied in humans. Furthermore, there has been limited consideration of potential moderators (e.g., cardiovascular health) on the effects of exercise.

METHODS

Clinically normal middle-aged and older adults completed a validated questionnaire about exercise engagement over a 10-year period (n = 75; age 63 ± 8 years). A composite estimate of neuronal injury was formulated that included cerebrospinal fluid-based measures of visinin-like protein-1, neurogranin, synaptosomal-associated protein 25, and neurofilament light chain. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Framingham Risk Score.

RESULTS

Cross-sectional analyses showed that greater exercise engagement was associated with less neuronal injury in the group with lower cardiovascular risk (p = 0.008), but not the group with higher cardiovascular risk (p = 0.209).

DISCUSSION

Cardiovascular risk is an important moderator to consider when examining the effects of exercise on cognitive and neural health, and may be relevant to personalized exercise recommendations.

HIGHLIGHTS

We examined the association between exercise engagement and neuronal injury. Vascular risk moderated the association between exercise and neuronal injury. Cardiovascular risk may be relevant to personalized exercise recommendations.

High Concordance between D:A:Dr and the Framingham Risk Score in Brazilians Living with HIV

People living with HIV (PLHIV) have twice the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, making it essential to identify high cardiovascular risk (CVR). However, there is no validated CVR calculator for PLHIV in Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional study with 265 individuals living with HIV, aged 40 to 74 years, to assess the agreement between three CVR scores: Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Score, and a specific for PLHIV, Reduced Data Collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:Dr). We assessed agreement using the weighted Kappa coefficient and the Bland-Altman plot. The median age was 52 years (47-58), 58.9% were men, 34% were hypertensive and 8.3% had a detectable viral load. There was an almost perfect agreement between D:A:Dr x FRS (k = 0.82; 95% CI 0.77-0.87; p < 0.001), and substantial agreement between FRS vs. ASCVD (k = 0.74; 95% CI 0.69-0.79; p < 0.001) and between D:A:Dr vs. ASCVD (k = 0.70; 95% CI 0.64-0.76; p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot revealed greater discordance between scores as the CVR increased. Our results suggest that the FRS and the D:A:Dr are adequate to classify the CVR in this population, and the D:A:Dr score can be used as an alternative to the FRS in Brazil, as other international guidelines have already advocated.

Are Physical Fitness and CRP Related to Framingham Risk Score in HIV+ Adults?

Background. People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) predicts a 10-year CVD risk. Its relationships to physical fitness and C-reactive protein (CRP) are not well established. The current aim is to determine the links between FRS, physical fitness, and CRP in PLWH. Methods. Participants (n = 87) were assessed on multiple biomarkers. The FRS was calculated with the respective variables. Other variables that correlated significantly with FRS were entered into a regression equation to determine their relationship to FRS. Results. The FRS for men was more than twice that for women (12.8 vs 6.0, P < .001). Men were more fit than women, but most participants were not fit. Aerobic capacity was predictive of FRS in men, but not in women, and muscular strength was not predictive of FRS. Women had more than double the CRP compared with men (7.9 vs 3.5 mg/L, P < .01), and it was unrelated to FRS. Conclusions. In men, aerobic capacity was significantly predictive of FRS, but muscular strength and CRP were unrelated to FRS in both genders. These results do not conclusively demonstrate that physical fitness and CRP are related to FRS in PLWH.

Comparison of Three Cardiovascular Risk Scores among HIV-Infected Patients in Korea: The Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study

Background

We investigated cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk factors for CVD, and applicability of the three known CVD risk equations in the Korean human immunodeficiency virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cohort.

Materials and Methods

The study parcitipants were HIV-infected patients in a Korean HIV/AIDS cohort enrolled from 19 hospitals between 2006 and 2017. Data collected at entry to the cohort were analyzed. The 5-year CVD risk in each participant was calculated using three CVD risk equations: reduced CVD prediction model of HIV-specific data collection on adverse effects of anti-HIV drugs (R-DAD), Framingham general CVD risk score (FRS), and Korean Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score (KRS).

Results

CVD events were observed in 11 of 586 HIV-infected patients during a 5-year (median) follow-up period. The incidence of CVD was 4.11 per 1,000 person-years. Older age (64 vs. 41 years, P = 0.005) and diabetes mellitus (45.5% vs. 6.4%, P <0.001) were more frequent in patients with CVD. Using R-DAD, FRS, and KRS, 1.9%, 2.4%, and 0.7% of patients, respectively, were considered to have a very high risk (≥10%) of 5-year CVD. The discriminatory capacities of the three prediction models were good, with c-statistic values of 0.829 (P <0.001) for R-DAD, 0.824 (P <0.001) for FRS, and 0.850 (P = 0.001) for KRS.

Conclusion

The FRS, R-DAD, and KRS performed well in the Korean HIV/AIDS cohort. A larger cohort and a longer period of follow-up may be necessary to demonstrate the risk factors and develop an independent CVD risk prediction model specific to Korean patients with HIV.

Incorporating Frailty Into the Pooled Cohort Equations to Predict Cardiovascular Disease Among Persons With HIV

BACKGROUND

The 2013 Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs) have underestimated cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among persons with HIV (PWH). We evaluate whether the addition of frailty improves PCE's ability to estimate CVD risk among aging PWH.

SETTING

Multicenter study.

METHODS

We assessed baseline frailty and 5-year atherosclerotic CVD risk using PCEs for participants in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5322 observational study. The primary outcome was incident CVD. We fit Cox proportional hazards regression models for incident CVD with (1) PCEs alone and (2) PCEs and frailty together (which included separate models for frailty score, frailty status, slow gait speed, and weak grip strength). We evaluated discrimination ability for the models with and without frailty by comparing their areas under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) and Uno C-statistics, as well as by calculating the net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement.

RESULTS

The analysis included 944 A5322 participants (759 men, 185 women, median age 50 years, 47% White non-Hispanic). Thirty-nine participants experienced incident CVD during the study period. PCEs predicted 5-year CVD risk in all models. With frailty score, frailty status, slow gait speed, or weak grip strength added, the AUC and C-statistics were relatively unchanged, and the NRI and integrated discrimination improvement indicated little improvement in model discrimination. However, frailty score independently predicted CVD risk [frailty score: hazard ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00 to 1.70, P = 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty did not improve the predictive ability of PCEs. Baseline PCEs and frailty score independently predicted CVD. Incorporation of frailty assessment into clinical practice may provide corroborative and independent CVD risk estimation.

Impact of switching to TAF/FTC/RPV, TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi and ABC/3TC/DTG on cardiovascular risk and lipid profile in people living with HIV: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the overall cardiovascular and metabolic effect of the switch to three different single tablet regimens (STRs) [tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/rilpivirine (TAF/FTC/RPV), TAF/FTC/elvitegravir/cobi (TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi) and ABC/lamivudine/dolutegravir (ABC/3TC/DTG)] in a cohort of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) under effective ART.

METHODS

All PLWH aged above 18 years on antiretroviral treatment with an HIV-RNA < 50 cp/mL at the time of the switch to TAF/FTC/RPV, TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi and ABC/3TC/DTG were retrospectively included in the analysis. Framingham risk score modification after 12 months from the switch such as lipid profile and body weight modification were assessed. The change from baseline to 12 months in mean cardiovascular risk and body weight in each of the STR's group were assessed by means of Wilcoxon signed-rank test whereas a mixed regression model was used to assess variation in lipid levels.

RESULTS

Five-hundred and sixty PLWH were switched to an STR regimen of whom 170 (30.4%) to TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi, 191 (34.1%) to TAF/FTC/RPV and 199 (35.5%) to ABC/3TC/DTG. No difference in the Framingham cardiovascular risk score was observed after 12 months from the switch in each of the STR's groups. No significant overtime variation in mean total cholesterol levels from baseline to 12 months was observed for PLWH switched to ABC/3TC/DTG [200 (SD 38) mg/dl vs 201 (SD 35) mg/dl; p = 0.610] whereas a significant increment was observed in PLWH switched to TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi [192 (SD 34) mg/dl vs 208 (SD 40) mg/dl; p < 0.0001] and TAF/FTC/RPV [187 (SD 34) mg/dl vs 195 (SD 35) mg/dl; p = 0.027]. In addition, a significant variation in the mean body weight from baseline to 12 months was observed in PLWH switched to TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi [72.2 (SD 13.5) kilograms vs 74.6 (SD 14.3) kilograms; p < 0.0001] and TAF/FTC/RPV [73.4 (SD 11.6) kilograms vs 75.6 (SD 11.8) kilograms; p < 0.0001] whereas no difference was observed in those switched to ABC/3TC/DTG [71.5 (SD 12.8) kilograms vs 72.1 (SD 12.6) kilograms; p = 0.478].

CONCLUSION

No difference in the cardiovascular risk after 1 year from the switch to these STRs were observed. PLWH switched to TAF/FTC/EVG/cobi and TAF/FTC/RPV showed an increase in total cholesterol levels and body weight 12 months after the switch.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in HIV-Infected Patients

From the onset of the first case until now, HIV infection is one of the most studied pathologies in the medical field, due to the incompletely known action of the virus per se, as well as the comorbidities associated with it. Currently, a field of interest in research is occupied by cardiovascular comorbidities, being more and more frequent at PLWH. From the pathophysiological mechanisms of action, the traditional and modern CV risk factors, the scores with relative predictability to the adverse effects of ARV therapy, CVD at PLWH represent an incomplete studied field, which requires further investigation.

Comparison of different cardiovascular risk tools used in HIV patient cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa; do we need to include laboratory tests?

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, representing 31% of all global deaths. HIV and long term anti-retroviral therapy (ART) are risk factors for development of CVD in populations of people living with HIV (PLHIV). CVD risk assessment tools are currently being applied to SSA populations, but there are questions about accuracy as well as implementation challenges of these tools in lower resource setting populations. We aimed to assess the level of agreement between the various cardiovascular screening tools (Data collection on Adverse effects of anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D), Framingham risk score, WHO risk score and The Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Score) when applied to an HIV ART experienced population in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This study was undertaken in an Anti-Retroviral Long Term (ALT) Cohort of 1000 PLHIV in care who have been on ART for at least 10 years in urban Uganda. A systematic review was undertaken to find the most frequently used screening tools from SSA PLHIV populations; these were applied to the ALT cohort. Levels of agreement between the resulting scores (those including lipids and non-lipids based, as well as HIV-specific and non-HIV specific) as applied to our cohort were compared. Prevalence Bias Adjusted Kappa was used to evaluate agreement between tools.

Results

Overall, PLHIV in ALT cohort had a median score of 1.1–1.4% risk of a CVD event over 5 years and 1.7–2.5% risk of a CVD event over 10 years. There was no statistical difference in the risk scores obtained for this population when comparing the different tools, including comparisons of those with lipids and non-lipids, and HIV specific vs non-HIV specific.

Conclusion

The various tools yielded similar results, but those not including lipids are more feasible to apply in our setting. Long-term cohorts of PLHIV in SSA should in future provide longitudinal data to evaluate existing CVD risk prediction tools for these populations. Inclusion of HIV and ART history factors to existing scoring systems may improve accuracy without adding the expense and technical difficulty of lipid testing.

Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome and 5-Year Cardiovascular Risk Estimates among HIV-Positive Individuals from an Indian Tertiary Care Hospital

Longer survival due to use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) infected individuals prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Metabolic syndrome (MS), a constellation of risk factors which increase chances of the cardiovascular disease and diabetes, can increase the morbidity and mortality among this population. Hence, the present study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the prevalence and determinants of MS among ART naïve and ART-treated patients and assess their 5-year CVD risk using the reduced version of Data Collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (D : A : D) risk prediction model (D : A : D(R)). This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 182 adults aged ≥ 18 years. MS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel-3 (NCEP ATP-3) criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done to identify the factors associated with MS. Prevalence of MS was 40.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 33.0%-47.2%). About 24.7% of the participants had at least a single criterion for MS. Age >45 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.1-4.9, p < 0.018) and body mass index (BMI) > 23 kg/m² (AOR = 6.4; 95% CI = 3.1-13.1, p < 0.001) were positively associated with MS, whereas daily consumption of high sugar items was inversely associated (AOR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1-0.5, p < 0.001). More than 50% of the participants were found to have moderate or high 5-year CVD risk. Observed prevalence of MS among HIV patients was higher than other studies done in India. Considering a sizeable number of participants to be having moderate to high CVD risk, culturally appropriate lifestyle interventions need to be planned.

Nutritional Intervention Reduces Dyslipidemia, Fasting Glucose and Blood Pressure in People Living with HIV/AIDS in Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Nutritional Interventions

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention on several cardiometabolic parameters in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two nutritional interventions on several cardiometabolic parameters in PLWHA treated with ART. A parallel randomized clinical trial was performed with PLWHA treated with ART. The participants (n = 88) were divided into two intervention groups: (1) nutritional counseling (n = 44) and (2) individualized dietary prescription (n = 44). The follow-up period was 30 weeks. A reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcome variables were reductions in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and increases in high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A multiple linear regression was used to analyze the effectiveness of the interventions, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Sixty-two PLWHA completed the trial (nutritional counseling, n = 32; individualized dietary prescription, n = 30). At follow-up, we observed in the nutritional counseling group significant reductions in SBP (p = 0.036) and DBP (p = 0.001). Significant reductions in FPG (p = 0.008) and DBP (p = 0.023) were found in the individualized dietary prescription group. In the fully adjusted models, significant reductions in LDL, SBP, DBP, and BMI were found in the individualized dietary prescription group. In conclusion, the two investigated nutritional interventions were effective in reducing some cardiometabolic risk factors in PLWHA. However, after adjustments for covariates, the individualized dietary prescription showed significant reductions in the primary outcome and, also, in more cardiometabolic risk factors than the nutritional counseling.

Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis and Reduced DAD Score for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in HIV-Positive Patients

BACKGROUND

HIV-positive patients are twice as likely than the general population to have a heart attack and are four times at greater risk of sudden death. In addition to the increased risk, these individuals present with cardiovascular events on average approximately 10 years earlier than the general population.

OBJECTIVE

To compare Framingham and reduced DAD (Data Collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs Cohort) scores for cardiovascular risk assessment in HIV-positive patients and potential impact on clinical decision after evaluation of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Seventy-one HIV-positive patients with no history of cardiovascular disease were clinically evaluated, stratified by the Framingham 2008 and reduced DAD scores and submitted to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis evaluation. Agreement between scores was assessed by Kappa index and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

mean age was 47.2 and 53.5% among males. The rate of subclinical atherosclerosis was 39.4%. Agreement between scores was 49% with Kappa of 0.735 in high-risk patients. There was no significant difference between scores by ROC curve discrimination analysis. Among patients with intermediate risk and Framingham and reduced DAD scores, 62.5% and 30.8% had carotid atherosclerosis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed a correlation between the scores and medium-intimal thickening, besides a high correlation between patients classified as high risk by the Framingham 2008 and reduced DAD scores. The high prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in intermediate risk patients suggests that most of them could be reclassified as high risk.

Cardiovascular disease in HIV patients: recent advances in predicting and managing risk

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in virally suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH) and with an aging population, is likely to become one of the leading challenges in maintaining good health outcomes in HIV infection. However, factors driving the risk of CVD in PLWH are multiple and may be different from those of the general population, raising challenges to predicting and managing CVD risk in this population.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we examine the relevant data regarding CVD in HIV infection including CVD prevalence, pathogenesis, and other contributing factors. We review the data regarding CVD risk prediction in PLWH and summarize factors, both general and HIV specific, that may influence CVD risk in this population. And finally, we discuss appropriate management of CVD risk in PLWH and explore potential therapeutic pathways which may mitigate CVD risk in the future in this population.

EXPERT OPINION

Following a comprehensive review of CVD risk in PLWH, we give our opinion on the primary issues in risk prediction and management of CVD in HIV infected individuals and discuss the future direction of CVD management in this population.

Cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected individuals: A comparison of three risk prediction algorithms

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular (CV) risk is known to be increased in HIV-infected individuals. Our aim was to assess CV risk in HIV-infected adults.

METHODS

CV risk was estimated for each patient using three different risk algorithms: SCORE, the Framingham risk score (FRS), and DAD. Patients were classified as at low, moderate or high CV risk. Clinical and anthropometric data were collected.

RESULTS

We included 571 HIV-infected individuals, mostly male (67.1%; n=383). Patients were divided into two groups according to antiretroviral therapy (ART): naïve (7.5%; n=43) or under ART (92.5%; n=528). The mean time since HIV diagnosis was 6.7±6.5 years in the naive group and 13.3±6.1 years in the ART group. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was identified in 33.9% (n=179) and 16.3% (n=7) of participants in the ART and naïve groups, respectively. MS was associated with ART (OR=2.7; p=0.018). Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl (OR=13.643, p<0.001) was one of the major factors contributing to MS. Overall, high CV risk was found in 4.4% (n=23) of patients when the SCORE tool was used, in 20.5% (n=117) using the FRS, and in 10.3% (n=59) using the DAD score. The observed agreement between the FRS and SCORE was 55.4% (k=0.183, p<0.001), between the FRS and DAD 70.5% (k=0.465, p<0.001), and between SCORE and DAD 72.3% (k=0.347, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the three algorithms, we detected a high rate of high CV risk, particularly in patients under ART. The FRS was the algorithm that classified most patients in the high CV risk category (20.5%). In addition, a high prevalence of MS was identified in this patient group.

Estimated risk of cardiovascular disease among the HIV-positive patients aged 40 years or older in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an emerging cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive patients receiving successful combination antiretroviral therapy, but their CVD risk has been rarely investigated in Asia-Pacific region. We aimed to assess the CVD risk of HIV-positive Taiwanese outpatients.

METHODS

We did cross-sectional questionnaire interviews to collect information of HIV-positive Taiwanese patients aged 40-79 at the HIV clinics of a medical center from 1 March to 31 August, 2017. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk score and Data-Collection on Adverse effects of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) risk score were used to estimate their CVD risk.

RESULTS

Of the screened 1251 patients, 1006 (80.4%) with complete data to assess their CVD risk were included for analyses. The prevalence of patients aged 40-75 and with a high CVD risk was 30.6% by FRS, 3.7% by D:A:D (R) risk score, and 22.2% by ASCVD risk score. In multiple logistic regression, older age, current smoking, higher systolic blood pressure, and higher triglyceride and fasting glucose levels were independently associated with the ASCVD risk score ≥7.5%. If current smokers aged 55-59 had stopped smoking, the proportions of them with a 10-year CVD risk of ≥10% by FRS and ≥7.5% by ASCVD risk score would have decreased by 35.3% and 20.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CVD risk estimates among HIV-positive Taiwanese aged 40-75 were associated with an older age, current smoking, higher systolic blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia. Smoking cessation could potentially lead to significant decreases of CVD risk.

Cardiovascular Disease in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background:

Since the introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), the life expectancy and health quality for patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have significant-ly improved. Nevertheless, as a result of not only the deleterious effects of the virus itself and pro-longed ART, but also the effects of aging, cardiovascular diseases have emerged as one of the most common causes of death among these patients.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to explore the new insights on the spectrum of Cardiovascu-lar Disease (CVD) in HIV infection, with emphasis on the factors that contribute to the atherosclerot-ic process and its role in the development of acute coronary syndrome in the setting of infection.

Methods:

A literature search using PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science was performed. Ar-ticles up to Mar, 2017, were selected for inclusion. The search was conducted using MeSH terms, with the following key terms: [human immunodeficiency virus AND (cardiovascular disease OR coronary heart disease) AND (antiretroviral therapy AND (cardiovascular disease OR coronary heart disease))].

Results:

Clinical cardiovascular disease tends to appear approximately 10 years before in infected in-dividuals, when compared to the general population. The pathogenesis behind the cardiovascular, HIV-associated complications is complex and multifactorial, involving traditional CVD risk factors, as well as factors associated with the virus itself - immune activation and chronic inflammation – and the metabolic disorders related to ART regimens.

Conclusion:

Determining the cardiovascular risk among HIV-infected patients, as well as targeting and treating conditions that predispose to CVD, are now emerging concerns among physicians.

Stroke in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with worse outcomes after stroke, but this association is less well-described in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We reviewed literature on stroke among people living with HIV (PLWH) in SSA.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed published literature for original clinical stroke studies conducted in SSA that included PLWH. We included studies that reported data on presenting characteristics, risk factors, and/or outcomes after stroke.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (N = 478) met inclusion criteria. At the time of stroke presentation, PLWH had a median age ranging from 32 to 43 years. Subjects had low CD4 counts (median CD4, 108-225 cells/µl), and most were antiretroviral therapy-naïve. Fever, seizures, and concurrent opportunistic infections were common at presentation. Ischemic stroke accounted for up to 96% of strokes, which were mostly located in the anterior circulation territory. In studies comparing PLWH with HIV-uninfected individuals, PLWH had more frequent coagulopathy, greater stroke severity, (72% versus 36% National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >13, P = .02), longer hospital length of stay (30.5 versus <10 days), and a higher 30-day mortality rate (23% versus 10.5%, P = .007).

CONCLUSION

Stroke in PLWH in SSA occurs at a young age, in those with advanced disease, and is associated with worse outcomes than in HIV-uninfected comparators. Stroke in young individuals in the region should prompt HIV testing, and ongoing efforts to promote early antiretroviral therapy initiation might also help decrease stroke incidence, morbidity, and mortality in the region.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score, Warfarin Use, and Risk for Thromboembolic Events Among HIV-Infected Persons With Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the HIV-infected population is growing, but the ability of the CHA2DS2-VASc score to predict thromboembolic (TE) risk is unknown in this population.

SETTING

Within the Veterans Affairs HIV Clinical Case Registry, 914 patients had an atrial fibrillation diagnosis between 1997 and 2011 and no previous TE events.

METHODS

We compared TE incidence by CHA2DS2-VASc scores and stratified by warfarin use. Using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for competing risks, we modeled associations of CHA2DS2-VASc scores and warfarin use with TE risk.

RESULTS

At baseline, the distribution of CHA2DS2-VASc scores was 0 (n = 208), 1 (n = 285), and 2+ (n = 421); 34 patients developed 38 TE events during a median of 3.8 years follow-up. Event rates by CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0, 1, and 2+ were 5.4, 9.3, and 8.1 per 1000 person years, respectively; multivariate-adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) were 1.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.65 to 4.45) for CHA2DS2-VASc score 1 (P = 0.28) and HR = 1.34 (0.51, 3.48) for score 2+ versus 0 (P = 0.55). Baseline warfarin use was associated with increased TE risk, although not statistically significant [HR 2.06 (0.86, 4.93), P = 0.11] with similar results when modeled as time-updated use and duration of use.

CONCLUSION

In this national registry of HIV-infected veterans with atrial fibrillation, CHA2DS2-VASc scores were only weakly associated with TE risk. Furthermore, warfarin did not seem to be effective at preventing TE events. These results should raise concerns about the optimal strategy for TE prevention among HIV-infected persons with atrial fibrillation.

Coronary Artery Disease in HIV-Infected Patients: Downside of Living Longer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased the life expectancy of patients with HIV infection, allowing them to live longer with this chronic medical condition and consequently experiencing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Several studies have investigated the increased risk of CVD in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, less is known about the exact mechanisms involved in this increased risk. Also, specific guidelines for management of CVD in PLWH have not been developed yet. In this article, we review the recent literature on the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of CVD in PLWH, with an emphasis on coronary artery disease (CAD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Although initial studies suspected the increased prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors and side effects of ART to be involved in the increased CVD risk in PLWH, recent studies have uncovered the important role of chronic persistent inflammation in this increased risk. In addition, biomarkers of inflammation have been associated with both CVD events and subclinical CAD in this population. Lastly, recent studies and ongoing clinical trials have been investigating medical interventions that aim to reduce inflammation and cardiovascular events. Different mechanisms of inflammation have been examined in PLWH, including subclinical viremia, microbial translocation, and coinfection with other pathogens such as cytomegalovirus. Although inflammatory biomarkers have been consistently associated with CVD and subclinical CVD outcomes, their prognostic value is unknown. Recent and ongoing trials are exploring the benefits of anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, and antimicrobial translocation drugs on both inflammation and CVD risk among PLWH.

Relationship between estimated cardiovascular disease risk and insulin resistance in a black African population living with HIV: a cross-sectional study from Cameroon

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic diseases are growing concerns among patients with HIV infection as a consequence of the improving survival of this population. We aimed to assess the relationship between CVD risk and insulin resistance in a group of black African individuals with HIV infection.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved patients with HIV infection aged 30-74 years and followed up at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Absolute CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham and the DAD CVD risk equations while the HOMA-IR index was used to assess insulin resistance (index ≥2.1).

RESULTS

A total of 452 patients (361 women; 80%) were screened. The mean age was 44.4 years and most of the respondents were on antiretroviral therapy (88.5%). The median 5-year cardiovascular risk was 0.7% (25th-75th percentiles: 0.2-2.0) and 0.6% (0.3-1.3) according to the Framingham and DAD equations respectively. Of all participants, 47.3% were insulin resistant. The Framingham equation derived absolute CVD risk was significantly associated with insulin resistance; while no linear association was found using the DAD equation.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance in black African patients with HIV infection seems to depend on the cardiovascular risk equation used.

Smoking and projected cardiovascular risk in an HIV-positive Asian regional cohort

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics associated with current smoking in an Asian HIV-positive cohort, to calculate the predictive risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI), and to identify the impact that simulated interventions may have.

METHODS

Logistic regression analysis was used to distinguish associated current smoking characteristics. Five-year predictive risks of CVD, CHD and MI and the impact of simulated interventions were calculated utilizing the Data Collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs Study (D:A:D) algorithm.

RESULTS

Smoking status data were collected from 4274 participants and 1496 of these had sufficient data for simulated intervention calculations. Current smoking prevalence in these two groups was similar (23.2% vs. 19.9%, respectively). Characteristics associated with current smoking included age > 50 years compared with 30-39 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.83], HIV exposure through injecting drug use compared with heterosexual exposure (OR 3.03; 95% CI 2.25-4.07), and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at study sites in Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and Vietnam in comparison to Thailand (all OR > 2). Women were less likely to smoke than men (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.08-0.14). In simulated interventions, smoking cessation demonstrated the greatest impact in reducing CVD and CHD risk and closely approximated the impact of switching from abacavir to an alternate antiretroviral in the reduction of 5-year MI risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple interventions could reduce CVD, CHD and MI risk in Asian HIV-positive patients, with smoking cessation potentially being the most influential.

Assessment of the agreement between the Framingham and DAD risk equations for estimating cardiovascular risk in adult Africans living with HIV infection: a cross-sectional study

Background

The Absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk evaluation using multivariable CVD risk models is increasingly advocated in people with HIV, in whom existing models remain largely untested. We assessed the agreement between the general population derived Framingham CVD risk equation and the HIV-specific Data collection on Adverse effects of anti-HIV Drugs (DAD) CVD risk equation in HIV-infected adult Cameroonians.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 452 HIV infected adults recruited at the HIV day-care unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. The 5-year projected CVD risk was estimated for each participant using the DAD and Framingham CVD risk equations. Agreement between estimates from these equations was assessed using the spearman correlation and Cohen’s kappa coefficient.

Results

The mean age of participants (80% females) was 44.4 ± 9.8 years. Most participants (88.5%) were on antiretroviral treatment with 93.3% of them receiving first-line regimen. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were abdominal obesity (43.1%) and dyslipidemia (33.8%). The median estimated 5-year CVD risk was 0.6% (25th-75th percentiles: 0.3-1.3) using the DAD equation and 0.7% (0.2-2.0) with the Framingham equation. The Spearman correlation between the two estimates was 0.93 (p < 0.001). The kappa statistic was 0.61 (95% confident interval: 0.54-0.67) for the agreement between the two equations in classifying participants across risk categories defined as low, moderate, high and very high.

Conclusion

Most participants had a low-to-moderate estimated CVD risk, with acceptable level of agreement between the general and HIV-specific equations in ranking CVD risk.

Serum lipid and glucose profiles in HIV-positive Nigerian children

OBJECTIVES

To describe the fasting serum lipid and glucose profiles of HIV-positive Nigerian children and determine the prevalence and risk factors for dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

This was a comparative cross-sectional study carried out at the Paediatric Infectious Disease Clinic (PIDC) of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for HIV-positive children and at two primary schools in Jos for HIV-negative children as controls. One hundred and forty-two HIV-positive children aged 6-18 years and an equal number of controls were studied by determining their fasting serum lipid and glucose levels. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia was determined and their risk factors obtained using multivariate logistic regression. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mean triglyceride levels were significantly higher in HIV-positive children compared with controls at 87.2 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI] 79.4-95.0) and 68.1 mg/dL (95% CI 62.5-72.7), respectively (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in mean glucose levels. Dyslipidaemia was significantly higher in HIV-positive children (21.8%) compared with controls (12.7%; P=0.04). Total serum cholesterol was elevated in 17 (12.0%) HIV-positive participants compared with seven (4.9%) of controls (P=0.02). Children on lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) and those with no significant or mild disease had a significantly higher prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia (33.3% vs 4.8% and 14.5% vs 0.0%, respectively; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

HIV-positive children on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, especially LPV/r, should have their lipids regularly monitored as those with dyslipidaemia stand the risk of subsequently developing cardiovascular diseases.

Global prevalence of hypertension among people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to estimate, through meta-analysis, the global prevalence of hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH). A total of 49 studies published during 2011-2016 with 63,554 participants were included in analysis. These studies were conducted in America (25), Europe (13), Africa (10), and Asia (1) with data collected during 1996-2014. Prevalence of hypertension and confidence interval was estimated and stratified by participants' age, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and calendar-years using random effects modeling. The quality assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool was high for all included studies. The estimated prevalence (95% confidence interval) of hypertension was 25.2% (21.2%, 29.6%) for the overall sample, 34.7% (27.4%, 42.8%) for ART-experienced, and 12.7% (7.4%, 20.8%) for ART-naïve participants. The estimated prevalence was found increased with age and in studies conducted after 2010. Hypertension among PLWH shows an increasing trend and is associated with receiving ART and older age. Findings of this study provide data for decision makers to incorporate blood pressure assessment in primary prevention and for researchers to further investigate factors and mechanisms related to hypertension among PLWH.

Cardiovascular disease risk prediction by the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk score among HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa

OBJECTIVES

HIV-infected patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, general population CVD risk prediction equations that identify HIV-infected patients at elevated risk have not been widely assessed in sub-Saharan African (SSA).

METHODS

HIV-infected adults from 30-50 years of age with documented viral suppression were enrolled into a cross-sectional study in Gaborone, Botswana. Participants were screened for CVD risk factors. Bilateral carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured and 10-year predicted risk of cardiovascular disease was calculated using the Pooled Cohorts Equation for atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) and the 2008 Framingham Risk Score (FRS) (National Cholesterol Education Program III-NCEP III). ASCVD ≥7.5%, FRS ≥10%, and cIMT≥75th percentile were considered elevated risk for CVD. Agreement in classification of participants as high-risk for CVD by cIMT and FRS or ASCVD risk score was assessed using McNemar`s Test. The optimal cIMT cut off-point that matched ASCVD predicted risk of ≥7.5% was assessed using Youden's J index.

RESULTS

Among 208 HIV-infected patients (female: 55%, mean age 38 years), 78 (38%) met criteria for ASCVD calculation versus 130 (62%) who did not meet the criteria. ASCVD classified more participants as having elevated CVD risk than FRS (14.1% versus 2.6%, McNemar's exact test p = 0.01), while also classifying similar proportion of participants as having elevated CVD like cIMT (14.1% versus 19.2%, McNemar's exact test p = 0.34). Youden's J calculated the optimal cut point at the 81st percentile for cIMT to correspond to an ASCVD score ≥7.5% (sensitivity = 72.7% and specificity = 88.1% with area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic [AUC] of 0.82, 95% Mann-Whitney CI: 0.66-0.99).

CONCLUSION

While the ASCVD risk score classified more patients at elevated CVD risk than FRS, ASCVD score classified similar proportion of patients as high risk when compared with established subclinical atherosclerosis. However, potential CVD risk category misclassification by established equations such as ASCVD may still exist among HIV-infected patients; hence there is still a need for development of a CVD risk prediction equation tailored to HIV-infected patients in SSA.

Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Carotid Atherosclerosis in a Mixed Cohort of HIV-Infected and Uninfected Ugandans

Preventable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are responsible for the majority of CVD-related deaths, and are increasingly recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality for HIV-infected persons taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Simplified tools such as the American Heart Association's ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) construct may identify and prognosticate CVD risk in resource-limited settings. No studies have evaluated iCVH metrics in sub-Saharan Africa or among HIV-infected adults. Thus, the central aim of this study was to compare levels of iCVH metrics and their correlations with carotid atherosclerosis for HIV-infected adults versus uninfected controls in a well-phenotyped Ugandan cohort. We analyzed the prevalence of iCVH metrics in a mixed cohort of HIV-infected persons on stable ART and uninfected, population-based comparators in Mbarara, Uganda. We also assessed the validity of iCVH by correlating iCVH values with common carotid intima media thickness (CCIMT). HIV-infected persons had a mean of 4.9 (SD 1.1) iCVH metrics at ideal levels versus 4.3 (SD 1.2) for uninfected controls (p = .002). This difference was largely driven by differences in blood pressure, blood glucose, and diet. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, each additional iCVH metric at an ideal level was associated with a significant 0.024 mm decrease in CCIMT (p < .001).HIV-infected persons on ART in rural Uganda had more iCVH metrics at ideal levels than uninfected persons. The difference appeared driven by factors that are putatively influenced by access to routine medical care. Composite scores of iCVH metrics were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and more predictive of atherosclerosis for uninfected persons.

Obesity in patients with HIV infection: epidemiology, consequences and treatment options

Even though wasting used to characterize patients with HIV infection prior to the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era, obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in this population. Areas covered: In the present review, we discuss the epidemiology, consequences and treatment options for obesity in patients with HIV infection. Expert commentary: Obesity exerts a multitude of detrimental cardiometabolic effects and appears to contribute to the increasing cardiovascular mortality of this population. However, there are very limited data on the optimal management of obesity in patients with HIV infection. Given the potential for interactions between antiobesity agents and ART that might compromise viral control, lifestyle changes should represent the cornerstone for the prevention and management of obesity in HIV infection.

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity and the Overlap of Comorbidities in HIV+ Hispanics Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading health threat for HIV+ patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART); cardiometabolic comorbidities are key predictors of risk. Data are limited on incidence of metabolic comorbidities in HIV+ individuals initiating ART in low and middle income countries (LMICs), particularly for Hispanics. We examined incidence of diabetes and obesity in a prospective cohort of those initiating ART in the Dominican Republic.

Methods

Participants ≥18 years, initiating ART <90 days prior to study enrollment, were examined for incidence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes mellitus (DM), overweight, and obesity. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 100-125mg/dl defined IFG; FPG ≥126 mg/dl, diagnosis per medical record, or use of hypoglycemic medication defined DM. Overweight and obesity were BMI 25–30 and ≥30kg/m², respectively. Dyslipidemia was total cholesterol ≥240mg/dl or use of lipid-lowering medication. Framingham risk equation was used to determine ten-year CVD risk at the end of observation.

Results

Of 153 initiating ART, 8 (6%) had DM and 23 (16%) had IFG at baseline, 6 developed DM (28/1000 person-years follow up [PYFU]) and 46 developed IFG (329/1000 PYFU). At baseline, 24 (18%) were obese and 36 (27%) were overweight, 15 became obese (69/1000 PYFU) and 22 became overweight (163/1000 PYFU). Median observation periods for the diabetes and obesity analyses were 23.5 months and 24.3 months, respectively. Increased CVD risk (≥10% 10-year Framingham risk score) was present for 13% of the cohort; 79% of the cohort had ≥1 cardiometabolic comorbidity, 48% had ≥2, and 13% had all three.

Conclusions

In this Hispanic cohort in an LMIC, incidences of IFG/DM and overweight/obesity were similar to or higher than that found in high income countries, and cardiometabolic disorders affected three-quarters of those initiating ART. Care models incorporating cardiovascular risk reduction into HIV treatment programs are needed to prevent CVD-associated mortality in this vulnerable population.

The Boehringer Ingelheim employee study (Part 2): 10-year cardiovascular diseases risk estimation

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) may cause an economic burden to companies, but CVD risk estimations specific to working populations are lacking.

AIMS

To estimate the 10-year CVD risk in the Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) employee cohort and analyse the potential effect of hypothetical risk reduction interventions.

METHODS

We estimated CVD risk using the Framingham (FRS), PROCAM (PRS) and Reynolds (RRS) risk scores, using cross-sectional baseline data on BI Pharma employees collected from 2005 to 2011. Results were compared using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon tests. The predictive ability of the score estimates was assessed using receiver-operating characteristics analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 4005 study subjects, we estimated 10-year CVD risks of 35% (FRS), 9% (PRS) and 6% (RRS) for men and 10% (FRS), 4% (PRS) and 1% (RRS) for women. One hundred and thirty-four (6%) men and 111 (6%) women employees had current CVD. The best predictors of prevalent CVD were the FRS and the RRS for men [area-under-the-curve 0.62 (0.57-0.67) for both]. A hypothetical intervention that would improve systolic blood pressure, HbA1c (for diabetes), C-reactive protein, triglycerides and total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 10% each would potentially reduce expected CVD cases by 36-41% in men and 30-45% in women, and if smoking cessation is incorporated, by 39-45% and 30-55%, respectively, depending on the pre-intervention risk score.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a substantial risk of developing CVD in this working cohort. Occupational health programmes with lifestyle interventions for high-risk individuals may be an effective risk reduction measure.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in people with HIV infection treated with ART in rural South Africa: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

The risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) from some rural parts of Africa is not well known. We assessed CVD risk factors, the estimated 5-year Data collection on adverse effects of anti-HIV drugs (DA.) risk score and the 10-year Framingham risk score in persons with HIV infection on ART in a rural area in South Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study in which the data on demographic, lifestyle, and chronic disease were collected using the World Health Organization Stepwise approach to surveillance questionnaire. Biochemical parameters were tested using standard biochemical methods. CD4 counts were performed using PIMA analyser and viral load was tested using the branched deoxyribonucleic acid technique. Student t test and Chi square test were used on continuous and categorical variables respectively. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze predictors of CVD risk factors. Estimates of 5 and 10-year CVD risk were calculated using online tools. The Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to assess the agreement between CVD risk equations.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 44.8 ± 11.8 years; 79.9 % were females. Most of the participants (85 %) had an undetectable viral load and a mean CD4 count of 462 ± 235 cell/mm(3). The most common CVD risk factors were low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (43.8 %), hypercholesterolaemia (33.2 %) and a high Apolipoprotein (Apo) B/ApoA ratio (45.4 %).Using the Framingham equation, 6.7 % of participants had a moderate to high 10-year CVD risk while the DAD risk equation showed that 31.1 % of participants had a moderate to high 5-year CVD risk. Most participants had a low CVD risk by both risk equations. The level of agreement between the two risk equations was 73.8 % (k = 0.23; 95 % CI 0.10-0.35; p value 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CVD risk factors were common among this rural population on ART. The high proportion of participants with a moderate to high CVD risk, observed with the DAD risk equation, clearly represents a considerable health burden that can possibly be reduced by increasing educational programs on CVD prevention for people on ART. There is however a need to develop and evaluate a race/ethnicity-specific CVD risk estimation tool for HIV infected Africans.

The association between alcohol use and cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV-infection (PLWH) have higher prevalence and earlier onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared to uninfected populations. It is unclear how alcohol consumption is related to CVD among PLWH.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the current literature and strength of evidence regarding alcohol consumption as a risk factor for CVD among PLWH, to generate summary estimates for the effect of alcohol consumption on CVD outcomes, and to make recommendations for clinical practice and future research based on the findings and limitations of existing studies.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using Pubmed/Medline to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles published between 1 January 1999 and 1 January 2014. After critical review of the literature, 13 studies were identified. Risk ratios were extracted or calculated and sample size weighted summary estimates were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of a CVD diagnosis or event ranged from 5.7-24.0%. The weighted pooled crude effect sizes were 1.75 (95% CI 1.06, 3.17) for general and 1.78 (95% CI 1.09, 2.93) for heavy alcohol use on CVD. The pooled adjusted effect size was 1.37 (95% CI 1.02, 1.84) for heavy alcohol use on CVD. Pooled estimates differed by CVD outcome and alcohol measure; alcohol consumption was most significant for cerebral/ischemic events.

CONCLUSION

HIV clinicians should consider risk factors that are not included in the traditional risk factor framework, particularly heavy alcohol consumption. Neglect of this risk factor may lead to underestimation of risk, and thus under-treatment among PLWH.

Overexpression of Endothelin-1 Leads to More Severe Pulmonary Complex Vascular Lesions Associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite increase in survival of HIV patients due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), non-infectious complications are still prevalent such as presentation of lung vasculopathy, even in asymptomatic patients. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that causes pulmonary vasculopathy. Participation of this protein in the pulmonary circulation in HIV patients has not been elucidated. In this work we studied the presence and expression of ET-1 in pulmonary complex vascular lesions associated with human immunodeficiency virus (PCVL/HIV).

METHODS

We used immunohistochemistry and immunochemiluminescence (imagej) to determine the different degrees of expression of ET-1 in PCVL/HIV in comparison with non-PCVL/HIV. Reagents used were anti-endothelin-1 and an automated system. All data are presented as mean and standard deviation (SD). Differences were analyzed with one-way ANOVA; p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Lung tissues from 56 patients who died from complications of HIV pulmonary infection and with PCVL were studied. Histological evidence of pulmonary vasculopathy was shown as different types (proliferative, obliterative and plexiform). A statistically significant increase in ET-1 expression was observed in all PCVL/HIV tissue samples and is associated directly with different grades of severity of endothelial dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

ET-1 has a relevant role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vasculopathy in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. It is necessary to determine in the future the participation of ET-1 and other mechanisms involved in PCVL/HIV.

Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk in HIV

HIV infection and its treatment have been associated with adipose tissue changes and disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism. The proportion of HIV-infected adults over the age of 50 is also growing placing HIV-infected adults at particular risk for metabolic perturbations and cardiovascular disease. The metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected adults has been increasingly studied but whether HIV is associated with greater risk remains unclear, likely because of the interplay of host, viral and antiretroviral factors that are associated with the components of the metabolic syndrome. The relationship between HIV and diabetes mellitus (DM) risk has also been debated. While the Framingham Risk Score is a well-accepted measure of 10-year cardiovascular risk in the general population, it may not accurately predict risk in the HIV setting due to HIV-related factors such as inflammation that are not accounted for. We summarize the recent literature on metabolic syndrome, DM, and cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected adults.