Protease inhibitor-associated hyperglycemia in Mexican patients with HIV infection.

BACKGROUND

The use of protease inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of HIV infection. These agents are well tolerated, although the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has warned U.S. doctors that protease inhibitors may precipitate hyperglycemia and diabetes (DM), based on isolated reports from physicians.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients with HIV infection with criterion of non-DM from the onset of the protease inhibitor therapy participated in the study. Plasma glucose levels were obtained every month during a 6-month period, with a basal determination prior to protease inhibitor therapy.

RESULTS

All Mexican patients enrolled in this study had the same Hispanic-American ethnic origin. Four patients (6.55%) developed hyperglycemia related with saquinavir. One had family history of DM type II. These patients were controlled with diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on present data, we believe the benefits of these drugs to patients suffering from HIV infection outweigh the various risks of taking protease inhibitors. However, physicians who use these drugs have to be on the alert for hyperglycemia in the Mexican population, while patients should know the warning symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes.