Vitamin D Deficiency and Evaluation of the Parathyroid Hormone Status in People Living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire

Background: Micronutrients play an important role in the human immune system. During HIV infection, the virus utilises the micronutrients of the body, for its replication causing metabolic disorders including phosphocalcic. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) and calcitonin are essential for the maintenance of phosphocalcic homeostasis and the proper functioning of the body. In Côte d'Ivoire, very few studies on HIV infection and the mechanism of phosphocalcic metabolism have been done. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of 25 (OH) D3 and parathyroid hormone in people living with HIV.

Methodology: The study involved 326 adults (163 HIV-positive and 163 HIV-negative as control subjects). After confirmation by HIV serologic scanning result, CD4 count was performed by flow cytometry (Facs Calibur). Assays for 25 (OH) D3 and PTH were performed by HPLC and COBAS 6000 automated systems, respectively.

Results: A decrease in mean values ​​of 25 (OH) D3 (16 ± 0.46 ng / mL) was observed in 50% of HIV-infected on ART and 87% of these patients presented a normal PTH level (28 ± 1.95 pg / mL). Deficiency of 25 (OH) D3 (20 ± 1.03 ng / mL) is higher in HIV-infected on ART who have a CD4 count < 200 cells / mL.

Conclusion: Parathyroid hormone levels were normal in this study. Insufficiency or deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is more common in HIV-infected on ART with a CD4 count < 200 cells / mL. This decrease characterized the degree of immunodepression.