Impact of fasting bloods on hypertriglyceridemia

Purpose of the study

Abnormalities of lipid metabolism are common in HIV-infected patients and are accentuated in those receiving antiretroviral therapy, particularly with ritonavir. The measurement of non-fasting triglyceride levels is not currently common place as no standard values have been developed. The purpose of this study is to identify whether routine non-fasting bloods obtained in clinic are representative of lipid levels when compared to fasting levels.

Methods

Patients identified as having triglyceride levels above 3.0 mmol//I were requested to return for fasted sampling prior to consideration for potential intervention.

Summary of results

• 34 patients with elevated triglyceride levels were included

• All were males with a mean age of 47(± 8.6) years

See Table 1.

Table 1 Results of lipid levels when fasted.

76% of patients had a reduction in their triglyceride levels with repeated fasting. 81% of patients had a reduction in their HDL:Cholesterol ratio when bloods were repeated fasting. Both these results were statistically significant at a confidence interval of 95%.

Conclusion

All individuals should routinely have their bloods taken in the fasting state. Failure to do so may result in the inappropriate initiation of lipid-lowering agents or potential treatment changes.