The progression of untreated HIV-1 infection prior to AIDS.
Using a case-control study of untreated men, we investigated the physical, mental, and economic effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection prior to the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Beginning 2 to 2.5 years prior to AIDS, case subjects reported more of 12 HIV-1 related symptoms and during the year prior to AIDS, at least 30.6 extra days of these symptoms than did control subjects. Within the 6 months preceding AIDS, case subjects' unemployment rose to 9% (P < or = .05) and depression to 34.2% (P < or = .001). At 6 to 12 months and within 6 months before AIDS, 17.1% and 31.5%, respectively, were anemic, while 37.7% and 64.7% had CD4+ counts less than 200 x 10(6)/L. Diagnosing AIDS at CD4+ counts less than 200 x 10(6)/L could significantly reduce pre-AIDS morbidity. Other implications of these findings are discussed.
School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. 21205.
D R
DR
Hoover
A
A
Saah
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H
Bacellar
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R
Murphy
B
B
Visscher
S
S
Metz
R
R
Anderson
R A
RA
Kaslow
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000209:etiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male