title: Despite CD4 cell count rebound the higher initial costs of medical care for HIV-infected patients persist 5 years after presentation with CD4 cell counts less than 350 μl.
abstract: We determined that for HIV patients presenting with CD4 cell counts less than 350 μl the initial higher costs of care persisted over 5 years. Fifty-nine percent of new patients between 1 April 1998 and 1 April 2003 had CD4 cell counts less than 350 μl. Mean first year total costs ($19 917 $Cdn) were 2.5 times higher than for presentations with CD4 cell counts more than 350 μl ($7840). Total annual costs of care subsequently decreased to $15 663 by year 5, but still remained higher ($8883) than those with CD4 cell counts more than 350 μl despite a median CD4 cell count increase from 134 to 464 μl.
authors.affiliation: Southern Alberta Clinic, University of Calgary, Canada. hartmut.krentz@albertahealthservices.ca
authors.forename: Hartmut B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Krentz
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000191:economics*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents