Metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected middle-aged women on antiretroviral therapy: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated factors in a group of HIV-infected middle-aged women.

Methods: Cross-sectional study including 273 HIV-infected climacteric women of 40-60 years of age under care in two HIV outpatient reference centers in Brazil. Metabolic syndrome diagnosis was based on 2006 International Diabetes Federation criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors were evaluated as well as HIV infection-related parameters.

Results: Mean age was 47.7 years; 59.1% of women were premenopausal, 91% were on antiretroviral therapy. Current CD4 count was >500cells/mm³ in 61.7%, current viral load undetectable in 76.9% of women, and a quarter had previous diagnosis of aids. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the subgroup of menopausal women was 46.9%. Univariate analysis showed an association between metabolic syndrome and age ≥50 years (p=0.002), schooling <8 years (p=0.003), post-menopause (p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) >25kg/m² (p<0.001), and FSH ≥40mIU/mL (p=0.002). In the multivariate analysis only increased BMI (PR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.13; p<0.001) and FSH levels ≥40mIU/mL (PR=1.66; 95% CI: 1.14-2.40; p=0.008) maintained statistical significance. There was no association between PI use or any other factor related to HIV-infection and MetS in any of the analyses performed.

Conclusion: High BMI and FSH levels compatible with menopause were the only factors associated with MetS in these middle aged HIV-infected women. In the context of well-controlled, early treated HIV infection, traditional rather than HIV-related factors were associated with MetS.

Keywords: HIV; Menopause; Metabolic syndrome; Protease inhibitors.