Effect of lopinavir/ritonavir on blood lipid levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the effect of lopinavir/ritonavir on blood lipid levels in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Forty COVID-19 patients admitted to the First Ward of Hubei Shiyan Second Medical Treatment Hospital from February 3 to February 6, 2020. Among them, 34 patients were tested for blood lipids before oral lopinavir/ritonavir. The blood lipid changes were observed during the treatment of oral lopinavir/ritonavir. Results: The blood lipid levels of 34 patients who underwent oral lopinavir/ritonavir treatment for 7-10 days were higher than those before treatment with significant difference. Among the 34 patients, fourteen patients showed significantly increased blood lipid levels after oral lopinavir/ritonavir (9-10 days of treatment), and their blood lipid levels were re-assayed 3-5 days after lopinavir/ritonavir discontinuance. The overall levels of triglyceride and cholesterol were still elevated, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Lopinavir/ritonavir has a significant effect on blood lipid levels in patients with COVID-19. Blood lipid levels should be monitored regularly and intervention measures should be given in time to prevent cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and other possible complications. © 2020, Editorial Board of Medical Journal of Wuhan University. All right reserved.