CD4 cell count criteria to determine when to initiate antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children.
We evaluated the validity of CD4 count against CD4% criteria of 2008 World Health Organization guideline for initiating antiretroviral therapy using the data of 446 human immunodeficiency virus-infected Asian children aged 1 to 12 years who were screened to the Pediatric Randomized of Early versus Deferred Initiation in Cambodia and Thailand study. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 34% and 98%, respectively. Using the current CD4 count criteria would globally result in 66% missed opportunity to initiate treatment in a timely fashion. Raising CD4 count thresholds should be considered to increase its sensitivity and reduce missed opportunity.
Wongsawat
Jurai
J
Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand. juraiw@hotmail.com
Puthanakit
Thanyawee
T
Kanjanavanit
Suparat
S
Hansudewechakul
Rawiwan
R
Ngampiyaskul
Chaiwat
C
Kerr
Stephen J
SJ
Ubolyam
Sasiwimol
S
Suwanlerk
Tulathip
T
Kosalaraksa
Pope
P
Luesomboon
Wicharn
W
Ngo-Giang-Huong
Nicole
N
Chandara
Mom
M
Saphonn
Vonthanak
V
Ruxrungtham
Kiat
K
Ananworanich
Jintanat
J
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002160:Cambodia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013785:Thailand
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents