Improvement in CD4 cells counts in newly diagnosed HIV infected Cameroonian patients under HARRT is counterbalanced by the mild deleterious effects of antiretroviral therapy on liver function: a longitudinal study

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection still is a worldwide public health concern, but especially so in Cameroon. Still, the health of HIV-infected people has greatly improved following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Conversely, some authors reported the occurrence of side effects. Unfortunately, data on the topic are scarce in Cameroon. This study aimed at investigating the impact of HAART on liver function in newly diagnosed HIV-infected people. An 18-month longitudinal study was carried out in a health facility in the town of Douala, Cameroon. Investigative methods relied on a questionnaire approach, clinical and biological analyses and medical records exploitation. A total of 107 patients aged 18-45 years old were included in the study. Most participants were females (94, 87.9%) and aged 30-40 years (60, 56.1%). A higher significant fraction of patients had CD4 lymphocytes counts less than 200 cells/mm3 (42, 39.3%) at baseline. We recorded a 1.5-fold increment in the CD4 lymphocytes counts over the follow up period (P-value < 0.0001). Indeed, globally, a significant increasing in ALT level was recorded over follow up. There is a critical need for paying attention to liver function in people living with HIV/AIDS and under therapy