PATTERN OF CHEST RADIOGRPAHIC FINDINGS IN RELATION TO CD4 COUNT AMONG THE HAART NAÏVE HIV POSITIVE ADULTS IN SOKOTO NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS epidemic has evolved to become a major task in global health with the greatest impact in sub-Saharan Africa, where most of the transmission occurs horizontally between sexually active individuals. The CD4 count being a reliable pointer of immunosuppression has a close relationship with the likelihood of developing some pulmonary diseases and other chest conditions in HIV patients, which can be picked on chest radiograph. Aims and Objectives: To determine the pattern of chest radiographic findings in relation to CD4 count among the HAART naïve HIV positive adults in Sokoto. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty newly diagnosed HIV positive adults, yet to commence any antiviral treatment were recruited. They had chest radiographs done in the Radiology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, North-western Nigeria, using Silhoutte VR System GE diagnostic x-ray equipment. The findings from the radiographs and the result of their CD4 counts were analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: The CD4 count of the studied participants ranged from 69-1222 cells/?L with mean (± SD) of 448.3(± 287.0) cells/?L. Most of the participants 59(42.1%) had CD4 counts <200 cells/?L. Pulmonary consolidation was the predominant radiographic finding in the CD4 range of 200-499cells/?L while a normal appearance was the commonest finding amongst participants with CD4 count ?500 cells/?L There was statistically significant association between the level of CD4 counts and the overall chest radiographic findings using chi- square test with a chi value of 23.993 and p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: The study showed abnormal chest radiographic finding as the predo