Background The introduction of highly-active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has decreased mortality related to HIV infection. The number of patients over the age of 50 is increasing. This population suffers multiple comorbidities related to ageing, chronic HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment.

Purpose To analyse antiretroviral therapy, associated treatments and clinical outcomes in patients older than 50 years.

Materials and methods Cross sectional study. We included patients on antiretroviral treatment over the age of 50. Study variables were collected at interview, in the clinical history and pharmacy records. Variables were: sex, age, CD4 count, viral load, antiretroviral treatment, adherence, comorbidities, associated treatments and clinical parameters.

Results The study included 70 patients, 81% were men, average age of 57. Most of them presented CD4 >500 cells/mm³ and undetectable viral load. Mean of 13 years on antiretroviral treatment. The most prescribed antiretrovirals were darunavir and tenofovir and 36% of patients had been prescribed an alternative regimen. The most frequent comorbidities were: metabolic syndrome (36%), hypertension (30%) and hypercholesterolemia (37%). Lipid-lowering drugs were prescribed to 33% of patients, antihypertensives to 30% and central nervous system agents to 24%. The mean values of systolic blood pressure were: 128 mmHg (non-hypertensive patients) and 143 mmHg (hypertensive patients). The mean values of total cholesterol (201 mg/dl versus 188 mg/dl), LDL-c (114 mg/dl versus 112 mg/dl) and triglycerides (206 mg/dl versus 139 mg/dl) were higher in patients with lipid-lowering treatment compared to patients without it. Mean blood glucose was higher in patients with diabetes than in the remaining patients (137 mg/dl versus 97 mg/dl).

Conclusions The patients in this study were experienced in antiretroviral treatment and had a satisfactory control of HIV infection. Despite the use of antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and hypoglycaemic treatment, clinical outcomes were not within desirable levels, so improvements in pharmacotherapy follow-up are required in this population.

No conflict of interest.