Prevalence and Patterns of Echocardiographic Abnormalities Among People Living With Hiv on Anti-retroviral Therapy in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background Echocardiography can be used to screen, confirm, and assist in the management of some cardiovascular diseases in PLWH. Thus, cardiac deaths from sub-clinical cardiovascular conditions or more apparent conditions like massive pericardial effusion with tamponade can be promptly identified and managed to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Since the introduction of ART in Ghana about two decades ago, there have been limited studies on the prevalence and patterns of echocardiographic abnormalities among PLWH on ART. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and patterns of echocardiographic abnormalities among PLWH on ART. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. PLWH on ART attending the HIV clinic at KATH and HIV-negative blood donors were consecutively recruited and enrolled in this study. There were 117 patients in each arm of the study. Interviews were performed using a standardized questionnaire. After a clinical examination was performed, all patients underwent a 2D and Doppler transthoracic echocardiogram. Prevalence and patterns of echocardiographic abnormalities were characterized. Results Echocardiographic abnormalities were more frequently observed and demonstrated a statistically significant difference between cases and controls, with an overall prevalence of 35.0% among cases and 19.7% among controls (p = 0.008). The echocardiographic abnormalities that demonstrated significant differences between cases and controls were left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (28.2% versus 8.6%; p = 0.000) and LV hypertrophy (7% versus 0.9%; p = 0.017). Conclusion Nearly 1 in 3 PLWH on ART had an echocardiographic abnormality in this Ghanaian study. Echocardiograms are recommended as helpful screening modalities in diagnosing cardiac abnormalities among PLWH on ART.