Protease inhibitor-associated hyperglycemia in Mexican patients with HIV infection

Background The use of protease inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of HIV infection. These agents are well tolerated, although the Federal Dru g Administration (FDA) has warned U.S. doctors that protease inhibitors may precipitate hyperglycemia and diabetes (DM), based on isolated reports fro m physicians. Methods. Sixty-one patients with HIV infection with criterion of non-DM fro m the onset of the protease inhibitor therapy participated in the study, Pl asma glucose levels were obtained every month during a 6-month period, with a basal determination prior to protease inhibitor therapy. Results. All Mexican patients enrolled in this study had the same Hispanic- American ethnic origin. Four patients (6.55%) developed hyperglycemia relat ed with saquinavir. One had family history of DM type II. These patients we re controlled with diet. Conclusions. Based on present data, we believe the benefits of these drugs to patients suffering from HIV infection outweigh the various risks of taki ng protease inhibitors. However, physicians who use these drugs have to be on the alert for hyperglycemia in the Mexican population, while patients sh ould know the warning symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes. (C) 2000 IMSS . Published by Elsevier Science Inc.