Increased Risk for Non–AIDS-Related Complications: Implications for Early ART

Data from the 15th Retrovirus Conference underscore the need for more information about non-AIDS health consequences of HIV infection in people with CD4 counts >350 cells/mm³ and the effect of very early treatment (CD4 count >500 cells/mm³) on overall health.

Since the introduction of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART), causes of death among HIV-infected patients have shifted from traditional AIDS-related illnesses to non-AIDS conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular events, renal disease, and hepatic disease (ACC Jul 30 2007). In a plenary session at the 15th Retrovirus Conference, Andrew Phillips argued that earlier initiation of ART could reduce the risk for both AIDS- and non–AIDS-related conditions and thereby dramatically improve the health of HIV-infected patients [Abstract 8]. He advocated for a large study to compare immediate versus delayed ART among patients with CD4 counts >500 cells/mm³. In the meantime, while we await such a trial, evidence continues to accumulate on the potenti…

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Keith Henry, MD

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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

Increased Risk for Non–AIDS-Related Complications: Implications for Early ART

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