BACKGROUND
Hyperuricemia is an emerging metabolic complication among people living with HIV in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the LRRH Infectious Disease Centre between December 2024 and March 2025. A total of 385 adults living with HIV were selected using systematic sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and biochemical variables through interviews, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Serum uric acid, lipid profile, creatinine, and blood pressure were measured. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid > 7.0 mg/dL in males and > 6.0 mg/dL in females. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS).
RESULTS
The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 21.8%. Significant predictors included comorbidities (AOR=2.16, 95% CI 1.18-3.97), elevated total cholesterol (AOR=1.79, 95% CI 1.02-3.14), overweight/obesity (AOR=4.92, 95% CI 2.73-8.84), elevated systolic blood pressure (AOR=2.12, 95% CI 1.18-3.82), and cigarette smoking (AOR=4.89, 95% CI 2.59-9.23). Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with high cardiovascular risk according to FRS classification (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Hyperuricemia is prevalent among adults living with HIV at LRRH and is strongly associated with modifiable cardiometabolic and behavioral risk factors. These findings support routine screening and integrated cardiovascular-metabolic management within HIV care services.
Fatima Ibrahim Nor, M. Jayte, Ezera Agwu et al.· AIDS Research and Therapy· 0 citations
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) and type 2 DM (T2DM) are common conditions associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, data on the burden of Afib among patients with T2DM in sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical features, and factors associated with Afib among adults with T2DM at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH), western Uganda. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 adults with T2DM attending HRRH. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing, and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) for Afib diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with Afib, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of Afib was 7.9% (28/355). Patients with Afib commonly presented with palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, and dyspnea, with tachycardia and irregular pulse frequently observed on examination. In multivariable analysis, hypertension (aOR 3.027, 95% CI 1.419–6.431; p = 0.020), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (aOR 2.026, 95% CI 1.738–6.538; p = 0.048), body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) (aOR 3.014, 95% CI 1.242–7.930; p = 0.029), and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8%) (aOR 3.813, 95% CI 1.762–8.265; p = 0.007) were independently associated with Afib. Afib is relatively common among adults with T2DM in western Uganda, affecting nearly one in ten patients. Hypertension, HIV infection, obesity, and poor glycemic control were significant associated factors. Integrating ECG screening into diabetes care, particularly for high-risk patients may improve early detection and management in resource-limited settings.
Abdisamad Guled Hersi, Abdisalam Ahmed Sandeyl, Farah Dubad Abdi et al.· Cardiovascular Diabetology· 0 citations