Hyperlipidemia under treatment with proteinase inhibitors

To define the extent and time course of HIV-proteinase inhibitor (PI) effec ts on serum lipid levels 148 patients on triple combination therapy includi ng PIs and 91 patients on therapy with two nucleosides as a control group w ere evaluated. In the PI group there was a significant increase in total ch olesterol after 3, 6 and 12 months compared to the baseline level (198, 204 and 203 vs. 176 mg/dl). The increase in triglycerides was 25.5% from the b aseline at month 3. Indinavir had a significantly higher impact on choleste rol levels than saquinavir. No changes in lipids were seen in the control g roup. It was concluded that hyperlipidemia is associated with PI use, becom es evident within 3 months of treatment and seems to be substance specific.