Immunodeficiency at the start of combination antiretroviral therapy in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
Date
2014-1
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Abstract
To describe the CD4 cell count at the start of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in low-income (LIC), lower middle-income (LMIC), upper middle-income (UMIC), and high-income (HIC) countries. Methods: Patients aged 16 years or older starting cART in a clinic participating in a multicohort collaboration spanning 6 continents (International epidemiological Databases to Evaluate AIDS and ART Cohort Collaboration) were eligible. Multilevel linear regression models were adjusted for age, gender, and calendar year; missing CD4 counts were imputed. Results: In total, 379,865 patients from 9 LIC, 4 LMIC, 4 UMIC, and 6 HIC were included. In LIC, the median CD4 cell count at cART initiation increased by 83% from 80 to 145 cells/mL between 2002 and 2009. Corresponding increases in LMIC, UMIC, and HIC were from 87 to 155 cells/mL (76% increase), 88 to 135 cells/mL (53%), and 209 to 274 cells/mL (31%). In 2009, compared with LIC, median counts were 13 cells/mL [95% confidence interval (CI): 256 to +30] lower in LMIC, 22 cells/mL (262 to +18) lower in UMIC, and 112 cells/mL (+75 to +149) higher in HIC. They were 23 cells/mL (95% CI: +18 to +28 cells/mL) higher in women than men. Median counts were 88 cells/mL (95% CI: +35 to +141 cells/mL) higher in countries with an estimated national cART coverage .80%, compared with countries with ,40% coverage. Conclusions: Median CD4 cell counts at the start of cART increased 2000–2009 but remained below 200 cells/mL in LIC and MIC and below 300 cells/mL in HIC. Earlier start of cART will require substantial efforts and resources globally.
Description
Keywords
Antiretroviral therapy, Global health disparities, Immunodeficiency onset
Citation
IeDEA and ART Cohort Collaborations, Avila, D., Althoff, K. N., Mugglin, C., Wools-Kaloustian, K., Koller, M., ... & Egger, M. (2014). Immunodeficiency at the start of combination antiretroviral therapy in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 65(1), e8-16. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3182a39979.