Serum Albumin Concentrations in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection from South East London

Abstract

Human albumin is the most abundant protein in sera and a valuable biomarker in monitoring a variety of diseases. In this study we investigated the relationship between serum albumin concentrations and effects of initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Serum albumin concentrations amongst 70 HIV-infected patients from diverse ethnicities were analyzed, in the absence of any other confounding comorbidities, over a period of 8 years in South East London, United Kingdom. Serum albumin data was collected, on average, every 4-6 weeks during routine visits. Serum albumin was measured prior to starting HAART, and measured at the first clinic visit after commencing HAART. These were compared to a control group of untreated individuals. Based on our analyses we conclude that serum albumin concentrations increase significantly after the initiation of therapy.