Echocardiographic Profile of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Infected Patients in A Tertiary Care Hospital .

Abstract

Background: HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. In 2014 an estimated 36.9 million people were living with HIV, a global prevalence of 0.8 % .(1). The clinical spectrum of HIV infection encompasses a spectrum ranging from an acute syndrome associated with primary infection to a prolonged symptomatic state to an advanced disease .(2) Cardiac involvement in HIV affected patients is becoming more prevalent as therapy and longevity improve Infection with HIV is one of the causes of acquired heart disease in these patients (3,4) . Methods: This was an observational study, conducted in a tertiary care centre with an aim to study 2Echographic parameters, and its co- relationship with immunological status of the patient, as measured by CD4 counts in patients with HIV/AIDS. Results: In our study 151 HIV positive patients were studied over a period of 12 months .Majority of our patients were in the age group of 20-40 years with average age of 38.7years. Male patients were 59.7% and 40.3% patients were females. Out of the 151 cases ,34.4% had CD4 count 350. 25.7% patients had some abnormal 2D echo findings which was associated with low CD4 count ( 60%) and 23.2% had low LVEF (<60%). Conclusion: Echocardiographic abnormalities are more prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients and their prevalence increases as the CD4 count falls. So we should aim at starting ART early in HIV infected patients so as to improve The quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.