[Value of quantification of p24 antigen in plasma as a prognostic marker of survival in a cohort of 251 HIV-positive patients].
OBJECTIVE
To analyse plasma p24 antigen as a marker of survival in a cohort of HIV-infected patients whose time of seroconversion is unknown.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
AIDS Unit in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
251 patients were studied, most on antiretroviral therapy. Mean initial CD4 cell counts were 376 x 106/ 1 (range: 0.8-1350). 51 cases had been diagnosed previously with AIDS.


METHODS
Analysis of survival, according to initial plasma p24 antigen was performed by Kaplan-Meier test. Relative risks were calculated by Cox's proportional hazards model.


RESULTS
During a follow-up period of 24 months, 46 patients died. Relative risk (RR) of death related to the group with p24 antigen = < 40 pg/ml was 3.32 when p24 antigen > 40 pg/ml (p = 0.0001). CD4+ cell levels adjusting, the result was 2.47 (CI 95% 1.37-4.46) (p = 0.0027).


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma levels of p24 antigen is useful as a marker of the risk of death and it behaves as a independent prognostic marker in our patients. P24 antigen = < 40 pg/ml is associated with a better prognosis.
Rubio Caballero
M
M
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida.
Nogués Biau
A
A
Falguera Sacrest
M
M
Puig Gatnau
T
T
Lorente
L
L
D015415:Biomarkers; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000097:blood*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors