90K (Mac-2 BP) predicts CD4 decline in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with CD4 counts above 200 x 10(6) cells/L.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ability of serum levels of 90K, previously reported as a progression marker of human immunodeficiency virus infection, to predict the future rate of CD4 lymphocyte decline.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of data from outpatients enrolled in a multi-institutional study.


METHODS
One hundred five human immunodeficiency virus-positive intravenous drug users who had at least six serial CD4 lymphocyte measurements and starting CD4 levels of 200 x 10(6) cells/L or higher.


METHODS
Rate of CD4 lymphocyte decline.


RESULTS
During a median follow-up of 28 months (range, 20-36 months), the estimated loss of CD4 cells in the whole patient population was 3.4 x 106 cells/L per month (P = .0045). Subjects who were on zidovudine treatment at study entry showed an average loss of 3.8 x 10(6) cells/L per month, significantly higher than in untreated subjects (P = .02), but similar to the loss observed for those requiring initiation of treatment during the course of the study. At baseline, 56 subjects had 90K levels of 10 microg/mL or less, and 49 had more than 10 microg/mL. The rate of CD4 decline in the high-90K group was approximately 5 x 10(6) cells/L per month (P < .0015), whereas in the low-90K group it was not different from zero (P = ns). No difference emerged in the rate of CD4 decline when subjects were stratified according to baseline 90K levels and zidovudine treatment, beta2-microglobulin, or neopterin serum levels.


CONCLUSIONS
90K serum levels are predictive of CD4 decline.
Tinari
N
N
Department of Medical Oncology, University G. D'Annunzio Medical School, Chieti, Italy.
Natoli
C
C
D'Ostilio
N
N
Ghinelli
F
F
Sighinolfi
L
L
Ortona
L
L
Tamburrini
E
E
Piazza
M
M
Chirianni
A
A
Guerra
L
L
Di Gregorio
P
P
Iacobelli
S
S
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D015415:Biomarkers; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; C081856:LGALS3BP protein, human; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins