Metabolic Syndrome in HIV+ Asymptomatic Adults in Botswana, Africa

Objective To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a cohort of asymptomatic and antiretrovirally naïve HIV+ adults in Botswana, and its association with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods After consenting, socio‐demographic and medical questionnaires were completed, blood pressure and anthropometries taken. Fasting blood was drawn for total blood cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. MS was defined according to NCEP ATP III guidelines. Results Of the 402 participants, 69.4% were female and the mean age was 33.7±8.1 years. The prevalence of MS in this cohort was 7.7% (n=31), 32.8% were overweight (BMI >25 kg/m 2 ), 11.6% were obese (BMI >30 kg/m 2 ), 21.9% had hypertenstion, 31.9% reported alcohol use and 19.5% tobacco use. Only 5.1% had high cholesterol and 14.3% high LDL levels. Risk factors significantly associated with MS were age (OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.16, p<0.01) and BMI (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.36, p<0.01) after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusions The prevalence of MS in this cohort is similar to other sub‐Saharan African HIV+ cohorts, but low compared to that in developed countries. Preventive interventions should be implemented to reduce the future impact of MS on HIV‐related CVD risk, especially when these patients start their antiretroviral treatment. Funded by NIDA