CD4 cell count changes in individuals with counts above 500 cells/mm3 and viral loads below 50 copies/ml on antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

We prospectively followed 166 individuals on antiretroviral therapy with viral loads less than 50 copies/ml and CD4 cell counts greater than 500 cells/mm 3 to ascertain CD4 cell count changes while the viral load remained below 50 copies/ ml. On average, CD4 cell counts remained stable and high. Only five patients experienced a decline to below 350 cells/mm 3 , and these were typically isolated low values with CD4 cell percentages remaining high. Our findings suggest that it may be possible to reduce the frequency of CD4 cell count monitoring in individuals with a value greater than 500 cells/mm 3 so long as regular viral load monitoring indicates a value less than 50 copies/ml.