American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What biochemical parameters tend to increase as a result of HIV treatment?

1. Blood glucose levels

2. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels

3. Creatinine levels

4. Hemoglobin count

The correct answer is: Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels

The increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels as a result of HIV treatment is primarily associated with certain antiretroviral therapies, particularly those that are part of the class known as protease inhibitors. These medications can lead to metabolic changes in patients, increasing lipid levels which include total and LDL cholesterol. Antiretroviral treatments aim to suppress the HIV virus, which improves immune function and can lead to weight gain as patients experience better health. This increased caloric intake and improved metabolism may also contribute to elevated lipid levels. As a result, monitoring and managing lipid levels becomes an essential part of the long-term care for individuals on antiretroviral therapy. In contrast, other options like blood glucose levels can also be affected, but this is not a universal effect and varies with specific medications used. While creatinine levels reflect kidney function and may increase with certain drugs, it's not a consistent response across all antiretroviral treatments. Hemoglobin count is often more influenced by individual health status and response to therapy rather than a direct effect of HIV treatment.