Prognostic value of an elevated CD8 lymphocyte count in HIV infection. Results of a prospective study of 152 asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prognostic value of an elevated CD8 lymphocyte count in the early stages of HIV infection.


METHODS
A prospective study ongoing since January 1986.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-two asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals with a CD4 lymphocyte count > 400 x 10(6)/l at enrollment were included. Disease progression was defined as a CD4 count < 200 x 10(6)/l.


RESULTS
During the follow-up period, CD4 count decreased in 33 individuals; CD8 count increased to > 1500 x 10(6)/l in 38 individuals and doubled in 35. The risk of a decreasing CD4 count was estimated to be 1.7-fold higher, although not significantly so, after the elevation of the CD8 count to > 1500 x 10(6)/l than before or in the absence of such an increase. However, this predictive value disappeared when five baseline parameters found to predict the outcome (neopterin, beta 2-microglobulin, p24 antigen, anti-p18 antibody and immunoglobulin A) were adjusted.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated CD8 count appears to be a weak marker for disease progression.
Département de Biostatistique et Informatique Médicale, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
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Chevret
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Roquin
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Ganne
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Lefrère
D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D010297:Paris / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology
D016827:CD8 Antigens