The effect of HAART on metabolic and haemostatic parameters in HIV infection: A comparative study

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes compromised immunity in humans. Globally, 500 000 – 970 000 people died from HIV infection complications in 2019, while approximately 38 million people were living with HIV infection. Presently, South Africa is one of the countries with the highest infection rate. HIV infection can lead to metabolic and haemostatic disorders and the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a treatment for HIV infections. Apart from its benefits, there could be some complications that have not been studied adequately. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of HAART on metabolic and haemostatic parameters in HIV-infected human sample. The study was quantitative and cross-sectional. Turfloop Research Ethics Committee, at the University of Limpopo, approved the study and issued a certificate numbered TREC/119/2016: PG. The Limpopo Department of Health, managers of the clinics and the chieftaincies of Ga-Mothiba, Ga-Dikgale and Ga-Mothapo villages granted permission for participant recruitment. The sample consisted of 71 HAART-exposed, 36 HAART-naïve and 51 HIV-negative participants. Glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) levels were determined in the original study. Participants’ HIV status was verified through screening. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 software. Chi-square was used. The significance cut-off value was set at p ≤ 0.050. HAART raised the levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and D-dimer and, correlated significantly with them. The HAART is a risk factor for TC, HDL-C and LDL-C dyslipidaemia and, D-dimer hyperproduction in HIV infection.