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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Pulmonary Function in Brazilians Living with HIV: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

The Open AIDS Journal 30 July 2025 RESEARCH ARTICLE DOI: 10.2174/0118746136381937250726055124

Abstract

Background

Pulmonary function assessment is essential for identifying respiratory diseases and understanding clinical changes that may lead to functional limitations. People living with HIV (PLHIV) may present respiratory impairments due to chronic immune and inflammatory alterations. Evaluating these changes is crucial for early clinical management.

Objective

To compare pulmonary function parameters between PLHIV and healthy controls, aiming to identify clinical patterns associated with HIV infection.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 46 male participants aged 18 to 60 years, with 23 in the PLHIV group and 23 in the control group. Six women from each group were excluded to ensure sample homogeneity and proper matching. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry without bronchodilator, evaluating Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Anthropometric data and physical activity levels were also collected. Group comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon test, with calculation of effect size and statistical power.

Results

PLHIV showed significantly lower pulmonary function compared to the control group, with reductions in both FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.01). The FEV1/FVC ratio remained preserved, indicating a restrictive pattern. A total of 56.25% of PLHIV presented restrictive changes in spirometry, while 100% of the control group had normal pulmonary function. The analysis revealed a large effect size (1.27), high statistical power (0.94), and an adjusted odds ratio of 49, calculated using the Haldane-Anscombe correction due to a zero count in the control group.

Conclusion

PLHIV exhibit restrictive pulmonary changes that may negatively impact their functional capacity over time. These findings highlight the importance of routine pulmonary monitoring in PLHIV, even in the absence of overt respiratory symptoms.

Keywords: Spirometry, HIV Long-term survivors, HIV, People living with HIV, Respiratory function tests, Respiratory system abnormalities.
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