Abnormal lipids and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: is there a problem and what should we do about it?

Recent research has shown abnormal lipids in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection hypocholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and also low high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol have all been described. In addition, increased dense low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and also lipoprotein (a) have been observed in some patients. The use of the protease inhibitors has been associated with diabetes mellitus and also features of insulin resistance. This article looks at these lipid abnormalities in detail and discusses possible therapeutic options that may be available, in order to address them.