CD4 Cell Counts at HIV Diagnosis among HIV Outpatient Study Participants, 2000–2009. (20th September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buchacz, Kate; Armon, Carl; Palella, Frank J.; Baker, Rose K.; Tedaldi, Ellen; Durham, Marcus D.; Brooks, John T.
• Other Names: Marchetti Giulia Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: AIDS research and treatment. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2011-09-20
• Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Research -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for -- Periodicals; 616.979205
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/869841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1240

Abstract

Abstract : Background . It is unclear if CD4 cell counts at HIV diagnosis have improved over a 10-year period of expanded HIV testing in the USA. Methods . We studied HOPS participants diagnosed with HIV infection ≤6 months prior to entry into care during 2000–2009. We assessed the correlates of CD4 count <200 cells/mm 3 at HIV diagnosis (late HIV diagnosis) by logistic regression. Results . Of 1, 203 eligible patients, 936 (78%) had a CD4 count within 3 months after HIV diagnosis. Median CD4 count at HIV diagnosis was 299 cells/mm 3 and did not significantly improve over time (P = 0.13 ). Comparing periods 2000-2001 versus 2008-2009, respectively, 39% and 35% of patients had a late HIV diagnosis (P = 0.34 ). Independent correlates of late HIV diagnosis were having an HIV risk other than being MSM, age ≥35 years at diagnosis, and being of nonwhite race/ethnicity. Conclusions . There is need for routine universal HIV testing to reduce the frequency of late HIV diagnosis and increase opportunity for patient- and potentially population-level benefits associated with early antiretroviral treatment.