Vitamin D and HIV: Description and correlation of serum levels with clinical and paraclinical variables

Introduction: Vitamin D (VD) has many extra-skeletal functions, such as immune regulation. It is important to recognize its role in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of this study was to determine possible correlations between serum VD levels and multiple clinical and paraclinical variables in HIV-infected patients in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out on 161 HIV-infected patients in the city of Bogotá. VD levels were analyzed in relation to anthropometric classification of nutritional status, clinical and metabolic profile. Results: It was found a prevalence of low VD levels of 60.87%. Statistically significant correlations were detected between VD and the time of sun exposure reported by the patient and the type of antiretroviral therapy. In addition, using a linear regression model, it was found that the use of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors + 1 integrase inhibitor correlates with hypovitaminosis, even with adequate time of sun exposure. No associations were found with age, sex, race, co morbidities, immune, or metabolic profile. Discussion: Although the pathophysiology of VD deficiency is multifactorial, low VD levels should be considered among the possible adverse effects of antiretro viral therapy and should be included in the usual follow-up of these patients.