CD4-Cell Counts Rarely Needed in Patients Doing Well on ART

Among 744 HIV-infected patients with virologic suppression on antiretroviral therapy, none of 162 treatment changes were occasioned by CD4-cell counts.

The most recent Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) antiretroviral therapy (ART) recommendations include a decrease in the frequency of monitoring CD4-cell counts for HIV-infected patients with virologic suppression on ART.

In a recent retrospective cohort study, researchers in Australia assessed the effect of such counts, obtained every 6 months, on ART treatment decisions. They analyzed data for 744 patients at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre who initiated ART before April 1, 2011, and were seen again by October 1, 2013.

During the 2.5-year observation period, 162 patients had their therapy switched or stopped. The most common reasons for the changes were toxicity (53%), phasing out older drugs (17%), compliance problems (10%)…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

CD4-Cell Counts Rarely Needed in Patients Doing Well on ART

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Reviewing Author