Background
Few studies have assessed metabolic and body composition alterations in young perinatally HIV-infected African children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared metabolic profiles and regional fat of children on a combination of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (lopinavir/ritonavir), lamivudine, and stavudine to those switched to nevirapine, lamivudine, and stavudine.
Methods
This study evaluated metabolic and body composition outcomes in 156 HIV-infected children completing a randomized trial that assessed the continued use of lopinavir/ritonavir-based or switch to NVP-based ART in Johannesburg, South Africa (2005–2010). Fasting total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides were measured. Total and regional body fat (BF) were estimated by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A clinical assessment for lipodystrophy was conducted. Modified intent-to-treat analyses were conducted.
Results
156 children (mean age 5.1±0.8 years, mean duration of treatment 4.2±0.7 years, mean time since randomization 3.4±0.7 years) were enrolled. 85 were randomized to the lopinavir/ritonavir- and 71 to the nevirapine-group. The lopinavir/ritonavir-group had lower mean HDL (1.3±0.4 vs. 1.5±0.4 mmol/L, p<0.001) and higher mean TC (4.4±1.0 vs. 4.1±0.8 mmol/L, p=0.097), LDL (2.6±0.9 vs. 2.3±0.7mmol/L, p=0.018), and triglycerides (1.1±0.4 vs. 0.8±0.3 mmol/L, p<0.001). The lopinavir/ritonavir-group had more total BF by mean skinfold sum (43±11.1 vs. 39±10.1 mm, p=0.031) and BF% by BIA (17.0±7.0 vs. 14.1±8.0%, p=0.022). Thirteen (8.4%) met criteria for lipodystrophy.
Conclusions
Unfavorable alterations in lipid profile and triglycerides, and differences in fat are detectable in young HIV-infected South African children receiving lopinavir/ritonavir-based vs. those switched to nevirapine-based regimens. Interventions to mitigate these alterations are warranted to reduce long-term cardiovascular disease risk.