The Prevalence and Determinants of Dyslipidemia and Lipodystrophy in Children on Highly-Active Antiretroviral Therapy at a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ObjectiveThis study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with lipodystrophy and dyslipidemia among 105 children (aged 5 to 15 years) on HAART at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data collection included anthropometric measurements, clinical evaluations, dietary assessments, and lipid profile assessments. Logistic regression and students' t-test were used to identify associations, with significance set at P < .05.ResultsLipodystrophy prevalence was 11.4%, with lipohypertrophy (10.5%) more common than lipoatrophy (0.9%). Dyslipidemia affected 25.7% of participants. Participants who had entered puberty (as indicated by Tanner staging) were approximately 10 times more likely to have lipodystrophy (OR = 9.91; 95% CI: 1.32-74.23, P = .026). Higher mid-upper arm circumference was associated with significantly lower odds of lipodystrophy (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36-0.99, P = 0. 046. Participants with lipodystrophy had lower odds of elevated triglycerides (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.00-0.62 P = .029). Previous lopinavir/ritonavir use was significantly associated with reduced odds of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.91, P = .036).ConclusionThe high prevalence of dyslipidemia and lipodystrophy emphasizes the need for routine lipid and other metabolic assessments among children and adolescents living with HIV.