T4+ cell depletion as a major risk factor for AIDS-related complex and AIDS. Longitudinal study of 253 HIV-antibody positive heroin addicts from northern Italy.
We enrolled 253 HIV-antibody positive heroin addicts without HIV-related disease (n = 81) or with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (n = 172) in a prospective study to evaluate clinical progression to AIDS related complex (ARC) or AIDS and to identify factors of possible prognostic relevance. Follow-up lasted between 6 and 40 months (median 12 months). According to the non-parametric Cox's model the only significant (P less than 0.001) prognostic variable was T4+ cell count considered in three classes: greater than 800/microliters (no depletion), 400-800/microliters (moderate depletion) and less than 400/microliters (absolute depletion). Subjects with T4+ cell count of less than 400/microliters had a risk of developing ARC or AIDS that was 6.46 and 1.98 higher than those with values of greater than 800/microliters or between 400 and 800/microliters respectively. The estimated probability of progression to ARC or AIDS was 0.029, 0.056 and 0.172 at one year in subjects with T4+ cell count of greater than 800/microliters 400-800/microliters and less than 400/microliters, respectively, and 0.296, 0.501, and 0.896 at two years.
Conte
D
D
Patologia Medica III, Istituto di Scienze Mediche, University of Milan, Italy.
Mandelli
C
C
Cesana
B M
BM
Barbera
R
R
Aimo
G P
GP
Piubello
W
W
Bianchi
P A
PA
D000386:AIDS-Related Complex / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors