Abstract 14789: 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Guideline Undertreats HIV-infected Adults With Carotid Atherosclerosis by Ultrasound

Abstract

Background: While HIV infection is associated with increased risk of ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease), it is unknown whether guidelines can identify HIV-infected adults who may benefit from statins. The purpose of our study was to compare the 2013 ACC/AHA and 2004 ATP III recommendations in a HIV population, and to evaluate associations with carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque. Methods: We used ultrasound to measure CIMT at baseline and 3 years later in 352 HIV-infected adults with no ASCVD and not on statins. Plaque was defined as IMT > 1.5 mm. We compared 2013 ACC/AHA and 2004 ATP III recommendations, and evaluated associations with CIMT and plaque. Results: At baseline, the median age was 43 (IQR 39-49), 85% were male, 74% were on antiretroviral medication, and 50% had plaque. At follow-up, the median IMT progression was 0.052 mm/yr, and 66% had plaque. The 2013 guideline was more likely to recommend statins compared with the 2004 guideline, both overall (26% vs. 14%, p<.001), in those with plaque (32% vs. 17%, p=.0002), and in those without plaque (16% vs. 7%, p=.025). In unadjusted linear regression, the 2004 and 2013 risk score were strongly associated with CIMT (0.01 mm per 10% increase in risk, p<.001) and with CIMT progression (0.01 mm/yr per 10% increase in risk, p<.001). In multivariate analysis, older age, higher LDL-C, pack-years of smoking, and history of opportunistic infection were associated with baseline plaque. Conclusions: While the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline recommended statins to a greater number of HIV-infected adults compared to the 2004 ATP III guideline, both failed to recommend therapy in the majority of HIV-affected adults with carotid plaque. Both the 2004 and 2013 guidelines predicted higher levels of baseline CIMT and faster progression. HIV-specific guidelines that include detection of subclinical atherosclerosis may help to identify HIV-infected adults who are at increased ASCVD risk and may benefit from statins.