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Predictors
of HIV Disease Progression
The median time from the acquisition of
infection and the development of AIDS is variable and depends on many
factors. It is usually 10-12 years. Without therapy the CD4+ declines
by 40-80 cells / mm³ each year.
Among the predictors of disease
progression are :
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Transfusion
recipients often progress faster to AIDS as compared to
Haemophilics. |
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The
rapidity of progression of infection increases if the infection
is acquired after the age of 35 years. |
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Higher
viral load is associated with faster disease progression. |
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CD4 cell
count provide crucial information as to the degree of
immunodeficiency. |
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Combined
plasma viral load and CD4 count estimation provides best
estimation of disease progression in an individual. |
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08-Nov-2004 |
A significant proportion of patients at a major
London HIV treatment centre are diagnosed with HIV with very low
CD4 counts, according to a study published in the November 5th
edition of AIDS. The investigators also found that
individuals presenting with late-stage HIV infection were more
likely to be women, of African ethnicity and older.
There have been anecdotal reports that the number of individuals
being diagnosed with HIV in the UK when they already have severe
immune suppression has increased in recent years. Patients who
have a low CD4 cell count at the time of their HIV diagnosis are
at higher risk of disease progression and are less likely to
experience the same degree of immunological and virological
benefit from HAART. There are also concerns individuals who have
very low CD4 cell counts at the time of their HIV diagnosis make
a greater demand on clinical services.
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