Association between HIV-1 RNA level and CD4 cell count among untreated HIV-infected individuals
Date
2010
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Abstract
Objectives. We examined the significance of plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (or viral load alone) in predicting CD4 cell decline in untreated HIV-infected individuals.
Methods. Data were obtained from the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. Participants included all residents who ever had a viral load determination in the province and who had never taken antiretroviral drugs (N = 890). We analyzed a total of 2074 viral load measurements and 2332 CD4 cell counts. Linear mixed-effects models were used to predict CD4 cell decline over time.
Results. Longitudinal viral load was strongly associated with CD4 cell decline over time; an average of 1 log10 increase in viral load was associated with a 55-cell/mm3 decrease in CD4 cell count.
Conclusions. Our results support the combined use of CD4 cell count and viral load as prognostic markers in HIV-infected individuals before the introduction of antiretroviral therapy.
Description
Keywords
HIV-1 RNA level, CD4 cell count, untreated HIV-infected individuals, Association
Citation
Lima, V. D., Fink, V., Yip, B., Hogg, R. S., Harrigan, P. R., & Montaner, J. (2009). Association between HIV-1 RNA level and CD4 cell count among untreated HIV-infected individuals. American Journal of Public Health, 99(S1), S193–S196. doi:10.2105/ajph.2008.137901