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[Long-term immunologic response in HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts </= 50/mm3 when initiating protease
V Le Moing1, Z Eid, J L Ecobichon
1Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Bichat--Claude Bernard, Paris.
Insights
Protease inhibitor therapy improved CD4 counts in most patients with advanced HIV, reducing AIDS and death risk. Immunological response correlated with viral response, but some patients achieved immune recovery without undetectable viral loads.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Study conducted from March to July 1996.
- Focuses on patients with advanced HIV infection (CD4 count <50/mm³).
- Investigates the impact of protease inhibitor therapy.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of protease inhibitors in patients with low CD4 counts.
- To assess the correlation between immunological and virological responses.
- To identify factors associated with long-term treatment success.
Summary:
- 61 patients with CD4<50/mm³ initiated protease inhibitor therapy.
- 39/61 patients showed an increase and maintenance of CD4 counts above 100/mm³.
- This immunological response correlated with virological response duration, yet 38% of these patients never achieved undetectable viral load.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the protective effect of protease inhibitors against AIDS and death in advanced HIV.
- Highlights the importance of immunological response, even in the absence of complete viral suppression.
- Provides insights into long-term HIV management strategies.
Abstract:
From March to July 1996, 61 patients with CD4<50/mm(3)began a therapy with protease inhibitors. Increase and maintenance of CD4>100/mm(3) was observed in 39/61 patients with a protective effect for occurrence of AIDS or death. This immunological response was correlated with the duration of the virological response. However, 38% of patients with long-term immunological response never had a undetectable viral load.