Abstract
The CD4 count is the most important indicator of immune function in HIV-infected patients. It is also the strongest predictor of subsequent disease progression and survival. We conducted a study to estimate the CD4 count responses in patients who are on long term first line ART, possible predictors of the CD4 count responses & the clinical outcome in relation to their current CD 4 count. We conducted a cross sectional study on patients with HIV infection, on first line anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for at least five years. They were recruited either from medical outpatient department (OPD) /ART centre or admitted in the medical wards of a tertiary care hospital. We included 100 HIV positive patients on first line ART. The mean duration of disease was 7.47 (SD2.78) years. Mean CD4 count pre ART was 169.73 ± 82.78 mm3, post ART CD 4 count at 1, 5 and 6 years (current) were 371.90 ± 152.94, 506.44 ± 213.75 and 548.48 ± 266.44. There was significant rise in CD4 count from baseline to 1, 5 and 6 years CD 4 counts (p = 0.000). Duration of ART (p=0.01), history of default (p=0.04) and absence of OIs (p=0.03) before ART were significantly associated with immunologic failure. There was a significant decrease in opportunistic infections post ART (P=0). National AIDS control organisation (NACO) recommended first line regimens result in robust immunologic response that is sustained over a mean period of over 6 years in a majority (84%) of the patients & result in significant reductions in opportunistic infections.
Keywords: HIV, CD4 response, ART, CD4 normalisation.
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Corresponding Author
Shruthi Kulkarni
Department of Medicine, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore – 34
Phone no: 91 9886546210, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i7.241
