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Increased triglyceride levels are commonly seen in HIV-infected patients and have been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Standard treatment options include diet, exercise, fibrates, statins, and niacin. Although N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as those found in fish oil) have proven effective in HIV-negative patients, few data are available in those with HIV.
Investigators randomized 122 HIV-infected patients with elevated triglyceride levels (mean, 4.5 g/L after a 4-week diet) to receive either fish oil (1 gram three times daily) or placebo. Both groups received dietary counseling, and all study participants were receiving potent combination antiretroviral therapy (50% ritonavir-boosted PI-based regimens). During…