Comparative Study on the Electrolyte Levels of HIV/AIDS Patients on High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

This study investigated and compared the electrolyte levels of HIV/AIDS patients on high active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Thirty patients (13 males and 17 females) were recruited for this study. Patients included in this study were HIV positive and on high active anti-retroviral treatment for at least three months. They were not on any mind altering medications and were mentally sound and are within the age range of 10 years to 59 years. Remarkable differences were observed in the concentrations of the electrolytes (Cl-, Na+, K+, HCO3-) when compared with their normal ranges. Decreased levels (mmol/L) of serum Cl- (3.90±0.54 ) and Na (31.70±0.10) were observed. Between the male and female patients, K+ level (mmo/L) (3.70±0.54 and 4.0±0.54 respectively) was observed to be within the normal value of 3.5 – 5.0 mmo/L. Na+ concentration (mmol/L) was observed to be decreased in both male and females with the values of 130.80 ±6.40 and 131.4±6.50 respectively. The Cl- concentration (mmol/L) was observed to be increased in females (98.40±7.60) and decreased in males (97.20±8.90) when compared with the normal range (98.00-105.00 mmol/L). The male patients showed an observed significant increase in the concentration (mmol/L) of their HCO3- (38.20±15.70) than the females (25.10±2.60) when compared with the normal value of 24.00-30.00 mmol/L. The concentration (mmol/L) of Na+ of all the ages (10-59years) was observed to be decreased when compared with the normal range (135.00- 150.00 mmol/L) while K+ for all the ages was observed to fall within the normal range. Only the age range of 30 -39years had an increased level of Cl- (145.90±48.10) while the other age ranges were decreased. The concentration (mmol/L) of HCO3- of all the age ranges were observed to be within the normal range except for the age range of 20-29years which was observed to show a decreased concentration (mmol/L) of 22.30±4.00 when compared with the normal range of 24.00-30.00 mmol/L. Findings from this study has led to the recommendation that strict monitoring of the serum electrolytes in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART is important as early detection and treatment of these abnormalities will enhance the quality of life of patients.