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The optimal time to initiate combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive people is debated widely, but most recent evidence suggests that treatment should start relatively early in infection — some experts say as early as possible. Now, two new studies add support to this argument.
An international team of researchers randomized 366 patients who became infected with HIV within the previous 6 months to receive 48 weeks of combination therapy, 12 weeks of combination therapy, or no therapy (standard of care). After 4 years, the likelihood of a CD4 count of ≤350/mm3 was significantly lower in the group who received 48 weeks of treatment (27%) than in the other groups (38% and 39%). Rates of progression to AIDS and mortality were similar …