title: Baseline CD4 T Cell Level Predicts Recovery Rate after Initiation of ART in HIV Infected Nigerians.
abstract: The most characteristic immunologic disorder in HIV infection is the progressive loss of CD4 T lymphocytes, thus, it remains the most important and commonly used marker for monitoring of immune status of HIV-infected individuals. This study monitored CD4 T lymphocyte cell dynamics among HIV patients on ART, and consequently defined an optimal baseline level required for enhanced ARV treatment. Ninety-eight (M = 33; F = 65) out of 106 consenting HIV-infected ARV-naïve patients enrolled and monitored for 24 months were considered in the analysis. The patients were classified into four groups based on baseline CD4 T lymphocyte cell levels, and specific parameters were evaluated at interval. Median CD4 T lymphocyte increased from 114 (Range: 6-330) at baseline to highest 357 (Range: 15-1036) cells/μL at 18 months of therapy. Fifty (51.0%), 58(59.2%), 75(76.5%), 69(70.4%), 63(64.3%), and 69(70.4%) doubled their preceding CD4 levels during the 3(rd), 6(th), 9(th), 12(th), 18(th), and 24(th) months of ART, respectively. Maximum 337, 302, 360, and 475 cells/μL of blood were attained by groups commenced on ART with baseline CD4 ≤ 50, 51-100, 101-200, and 201-350 cells/μL of blood, respectively. The results show that higher baseline CD4 T lymphocyte cell level correlates with enhanced restoration and plateau after commencement of ART.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Virology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Oyo State , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olubusuyi M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Adewumi
authors.affiliation: a Department of Virology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Oyo State , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Georgina N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Odaibo
authors.affiliation: a Department of Virology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Oyo State , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olufemi D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Olaleye
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects*
keywords: ART; HAART; Nigeria; baseline CD4 cell; generic