Cluster of Differentiation 4 Count and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients with Hiv - Aids

Abstract

Background: People with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are at risk of developing structural and functional cardiac abnormalities that are unrelated to common cardiac risk factors (e.g. Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Smoking habit). AIDS may be associated with chronic inflammation related to multiple factors related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and its complications. Cardiac abnormality with AIDS may be subclinical and may present long before the onset of clinical heart failure symptoms. Objectives: To anticipate the risk of cardiovascular morbidity in people with AIDS. Methods: The researchers studied 52 people with AIDS in this observational cross-sectional study, which were further categorized into those with cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count of less than 200/mm 3 and those with CD4 count of more than 200/mm 3. Echocardiographic examinations were done to evaluate cardiac structural and functional values. Results: Mean age was 33 years old, predominantly male (71.2%). The group with a CD4 count of less than 200/mm 3 showed higher Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) values (113.08 vs. 39.99, p=0.012), a higher risk of developing diastolic dysfunction (OR 9.35, CI 95%, p=0.018) and pericardial effusion (OR 3.83, CI 95%, p=0.048). Conclusion: A CD4 count of less than 200/mm 3 is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiac diastolic dysfunction and structural abnormalities.