Characteristics of glucose metabolism and endothelial status in young patients with perinatal HIV infection

The aim of the study : to assess the vascular endothelial status (based on brachial artery ultrasound data and the Celermajer test) and glucose metabolism markers (insulin, glucose levels, HOMA-IR index) in young patients with perinatal HIV infection. Materials and methods . The study included 83 young HIV-infected patients aged 18 years or older registered at the St. Petersburg AIDS Center. The main group (n=57) consisted of patients with perinatal HIV infection (PHIV), while the control group (n=26) included individuals infected via sexual transmission. Results and discussion . In the main group, 46 patients (80.7%) had normal blood glucose levels (3.3–5.5 mmol/L), compared to 11.6% in the control group. Normal insulin levels were observed in 84.2% of the main group and 77% of the control group. A pathological HOMA-IR index was significantly more frequent in the main group (p0.05). Both groups exhibited early signs of endothelial impairment at ages 20–25, with intima-media thickness (IMT) within normal ranges. However, males with PHIV showed significantly more frequent deviations toward increased IMT (p=0.049). Conclusion . Markers of glucose metabolism disorders, insulin resistance, and vascular endothelial dysfunction were identified in young patients with perinatal and sexually acquired HIV. However, PHIV patients demonstrated earlier and more pronounced changes.