Effect of Atorvastatin on Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Effect of Atorvastatin on Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Virally-suppressed HIV-infected Patients With CMV Seropositivity: a Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

Statin administration is supposed to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis by decreasing LDL cholesterol levels, possibly via lipid-independent anti-inflammatory effect. Its pleiotropic properties also adding beneficial effect against CMV infection.

The investigators plan to study atorvastatin in virally- suppressed HIV-infected patients on stable ART with CMV seropositive and statin-naïve to evaluate the subclinical atherosclerosis changes assessed by carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).

Extended description of the protocol, including more technical information

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages between 20 to 45 years old
• Using stable ART at least 1 year
• Positive IgG CMV
• Viral load HIV RNA <50 copies / ml

Exclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing hepatitis C DAA therapy
• Decompensated cirrhosis or acute liver failure
• History of coronary artery disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• History of of brain infection, epilepsy, stroke
• History of rhabdomyolysis or myopathy
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Severe depression
• Using statin therapy in the past 6 weeks
• History of statin hypersensitivity
• Framingham Risk Score above 10% within LDL ≥130
• Framingham Risk Score under 10% within LDL ≥160
• Out of Periodontitis Index (Upper right molars, top series, upper left molars, lower right molars, bottom series, lower left molars)