CD4 cell count recovery among HIV-infected patients with very advanced immunodeficiency commencing antiretroviral treatment in sub-Saharan Africa
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2006
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BMC Infectious Diseases
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BioMed Central Ltd
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:Patients accessing antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes in sub-Saharan Africa frequently have very advanced immunodeficiency. Previous data suggest that such patients may have diminished capacity for CD4 cell count recovery. METHODS: Rates of CD4 cell increase were determined over 48 weeks among ART-naive individuals (n = 596) commencing ART in a South African community-based ART programme. RESULTS: The CD4 cell count increased from a median of 97 cells/mul at baseline to 261 cells/mul at 48 weeks and the proportion of patients with a CD4 cell count <100 cells/mul decreased from 51% at baseline to just 4% at 48 weeks. A rapid first phase of recovery (0-16 weeks, median rate = 25.5 cells/mul/month) was followed by a slower second phase (16-48 weeks, median rate = 7.7 cells/mul/month). Compared to patients with higher baseline counts, multivariate analysis showed that those with baseline CD4 counts <50 cells/mul had similar rates of phase 1 CD4 cell recovery (P = 0.42), greater rates of phase 2 recovery (P = 0.007) and a lower risk of immunological non-response (P = 0.016). Among those that achieved a CD4 cell count >500 cells/mul at 48 weeks, 19% had baseline CD4 cell counts <50 cells/mul. However, the proportion of these patients that attained a CD4 count 200 cells/mul at 48 weeks was lower than those with higher baseline CD4 cell counts. CONCLUSION: Patients in this cohort with baseline CD4 cell counts <50 cells/mul have equivalent or greater capacity for immunological recovery during 48 weeks of ART compared to those with higher baseline CD4 cell counts. However, their CD4 counts remain <200 cells/mul for a longer period, potentially increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality in the first year of ART.
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Reference:
Lawn, S. D., Myer, L., Bekker, L. G., & Wood, R. (2006). CD4 cell count recovery among HIV-infected patients with very advanced immunodeficiency commencing antiretroviral treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC infectious diseases, 6(1), 59.