Poor immunological recovery among severely immunosuppressed antiretroviral therapy-naïve Ugandans

Abstract

Introduction: CD4 T lymphocytes remain the surrogate measure for monitoring HIV progress in resource-limited settings. The absolute CD4 cell counts form the basis for antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and monitoring among HIV-infected adults. However, the rate of CD4 cell change differs among patients, and the factors responsible are inadequately documented. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between HIV severity and ART outcomes among ART-naïve Ugandans, with the primary outcome of complete immunological recovery among patients of different baseline CD4 counts. Methods: Patients' records at two HIV/ART sites - the Joint Clinic Research Centre (JCRC) in the Kampala region and Mbarara Hospital in Western Uganda - were reviewed. Records of 426 patients - 68.3% female and 63.2% from JCRC - who initiated ART between 2002 and 2007 were included. HIV severity was based on baseline CD4 cell counts, with low counts considered as severe immunosuppression, while attaining 418 CD4 cells/μL signified complete immunological recovery. Incidence rates of complete immunological recovery were calculated for, and compared between baseline CD4 cell categories:<50 with ≥50,<100 with≥100,<200 with ≥200, and ≥200 with ≥250 cells/μL. Results: The incidence of complete immunological recovery was 158 during 791.9 person-years of observation, and patients with baseline CD4 ≥ 200 cells/μL reached the end point of immunological recovery 1.89 times faster than the patients with baseline CD4< 200 cells/μL. CD4 cell change also differed by time, sex, and site, with a faster increase observed during the first year of treatment. CD4 cell increase was faster among females, and among patients from Mbarara. Conclusion: Initiating ART at an advanced HIV stage was the main reason for poor immunological recovery among Ugandans. Earlier ART initiation might lead to better immunological responses. © 2013 Nanzigu et al.