Role of serum albumin level compared to CD4 cell count as a marker of immunosuppression in HIV/AIDS patients

Abstract

Back ground: HIV infection is global pandemic characterized by profound immunosuppresion.So there is a need to identify and establish efficacy of alternate prognostic markers of immunosuppression other than CD4+ cell count for HIV. Objectives:To evaluate serum albumin level andcorrelate between serum albumin levels, CD4+ cell count and other markers of immunosuppression like Albumin/Globulin ratio, hematocrit, and platelet count. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on 200 HIV/AIDS patients presenting to and registered at ART Centre JLN Hospital, Ajmer. A detailed history,clinical examination and laboratory investigations including Hb,TLC,DLC,Hematocrit,LFT withSerum Albumin level,RFT,CD4+Cell Counts,HIV Tridot test was done. Results:In our study the mean albumin level was 3.21 ± 0.68, There was Significant positive correlation between CD4 count and albumin level.[r]=0.784, P<0.001.Also significant direct correlation between CD4 count and Albumin/ Globulin ratio.P<0.001 Conclusion : Albumin and Albumin/ Globulin ratio could be used as a supplementary marker for immunosuppression in HIV/AIDS patients.