Objectives: Dyslipidemia associated with antiretroviral therapy is a common clinical problem among HIV-infected patients. Considering that the challenge of adherence to drugs (both antiretroviral and lipid lowering) may be substantial in routine HIV care, our objective was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects of statins and fibrates in the management of HIV dyslipidemias in clinical practice setting.
Methods: Retrospective review of 103 ethnically diverse dyslipidemic HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy treated with lipid-lowering drugs (using National Cholesterol Education and Prevention II [NCEP II] guidelines) who were followed for a median of 70 weeks.
Results: An overall mean reduction of 16% in total cholesterol, 20% non-HDL cholesterol, and 18% in triglycerides was noted. There were no significant changes in HDL levels. On evaluation of the different drug classes, the mean (median) change in total cholesterol, were -9 (-7)% with fibrates, -11 (-14)% with statins and -23 (-22)% for dual therapy with fibrates and statins. The triglycerides decreased by -11 (-40)% in those treated with fibrates; -1 (-21)% in those with statins alone, and -32 (-42)% in those with dual therapy. Overall less than a fifth of patients reached the defined NCEP target goal reduction. On logistic regression analysis, only stopping protease inhibitors/ritonavir was independently associated with significant cholesterol reduction (OR: 10.14; 95% CI: 2.1-48.9; p < 0.005).
Conclusion: In a primary care setting, the use of statins and/or fibrates may add to the complexity of HIV care, with only modest lipid lowering effects.