Elevated activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase in human immunodeficiency virus sero-positive patients in highly active antiretroviral therapy era

Abstract

Background: Monitoring HIV disease progression and deciding the time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) requires evaluation of TCD4 + cell counts and HIV/RNA viral load at regular intervals. Considering the fact that it is the resource restrained developing countries that carry most of the burden of HIV, recently, studies have been carried out to evaluate the utility of low cost, easily performed alternate biomarkers that can be used for HIV disease management and in response to HAART. Unavailability of scientific technology and inadequate infrastructure makes it difficult for resource poor countries to manage HIV-infected individuals. Aim: Our study concentrated on evaluating LDH activities in HIV-infected individuals on HAART. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between June 2011 to December 2011, and 36 HIV seropositive and antiretroviral therapy naive individuals and 21 HIV seropositive patients presently on HAART since past 3-6 months attending Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) situated at Area hospital Siddipet were enrolled in the study. Results: Our study concentrated on evaluating LDH activities in HIV-infected individuals (220.42 ± 79.04 IU/L) on HAART and showed that higher serum LDH activities were found when compared to controls (160.13 ± 47.11 IU/L). After 3–6 months of HAART, the serum LDH showed statistically significant decrease (188.76 ± 42.91 IU/L) ( P < 0.002). Conclusion: LDH assay is useful in monitoring HIV disease progression and treatment response.