Preliminary guidelines for the evaluation and management of dyslipidemia in adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus and receiving antiretroviral therapy: Recommendations of the Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group Cardiovascular Disease Focus Group

Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition that affects patients infected with h uman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are receiving antiretroviral therapy, These preliminary recommendations summarize the current understanding in t his area and propose guidelines for management. Existing guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia in the general population formed the general ba sis for our recommendations. Data on the prevalence and treatment of dyslip idemia of HIV-infected patients, implications of treatment-related dyslipid emia in other chronically ill populations, and pharmacokinetic profiles for the available hypolipidemic agents in non-HIV populations were considered. Although the implications of dyslipidemia in this population are not fully known, the frequency, type, and magnitude of lipid alterations in HIV-infe cted people are expected to result in increased cardiovascular morbidity, W e propose that these patients undergo evaluation and treatment on the basis of existing guidelines for dyslipidemia, with the caveat that avoidance of interactions with antiretroviral agents is paramount.