Three different patterns of CD4 recovery in a cohort of Chinese HIV patients following antiretroviral therapy - a five-year observational study

Claire M Naftalin, Ngai Sze Wong, Denise P C Chan, Ka Hing Wong, Daniel Reidpath, Shui Shan Lee

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13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To explore the heterogeneity of CD4 responses following highly active antiretroviral therapy, the patterns of CD4 recovery of HIV-1-infected Chinese patients who have been on their first antiretroviral regimen for =5 years were analysed. The CD4 trajectories were traced, smoothed and differentiated into three defined profiles. Half (56.3 ) were `satisfactory responders?, with CD4 gain of >100 cells/?L and a peak of >350 cells/?L, plateauing before the end of Year 5. Thirty-three (24.4 ) were `continuing responders? whose CD4 rise persisted at Year 4?5. The remaining 26 (19.3 ) were `poor responders?. Presentation with AIDS before therapy was common not just among `poor? but also paradoxically the `continuing? responders. While a majority had responded well to antiretroviral therapy, older patients and those with AIDS diagnosis before initiation of therapy may never achieve a satisfactory level even with effective treatment. Categorization of HIV patients by their CD4 trajectory may support the prediction of immunological outcome over time, and ultimately inform treatment choices.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)803 - 809
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of STD & AIDS
Volume26
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

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