INTRODUCTION :
HIV infection/AIDS is a global pandemic, with cases reported from virtually every country. Some studies have found a good correlation of Lipid profile and Body Mass Index (BMI) with advanced HIV infection.
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY :
In considering the above facts, a cross sectional study (using 50 PLHA and 50 controls) was conducted in Govt. Kilpauk Medical College Hospital using various clinical and laboratory measures such as WHO clinical Staging, Anthropometry (BMI), lipid profile were done and they were compared with CD4 count of PLHA. Then it was analysed to check whether these parameters can be used as a surrogate marker for CD4 count to initiate ART and to monitor the therapy.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS :
In our study, good number of patients had a „high risk‟ triglyceride range.
Very high risk‟ cholesterol level is significantly higher among cases. PLHA had significantly lower level of LDL. HDL level was low among female cases.
There is no significant correlation between the CD4 count and the Levels of various parameters of lipid profiles. Apart from the intended correlation, we also attempted to correlate various other parameters and we came to a conclusion that WHO categories correlates with CD4 count. Gender and HDL correlates well in our study population.
CONCLUSIONS :
Although the CD4 count is used as “gold standard” test, WHO staging can be used as a surrogate marker for CD4 count to initiate ART in resource limited settings. Lipid profile can never be used as surrogate for CD4 count
