Effect of early initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy on CD4 cell count and HIV-RNA viral load trends within 24 months of the onset of acute retroviral syndrome

HIV Med. 2008 Jul;9(6):440-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2008.00576.x.

Abstract

Objectives: The effect of starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) early after the onset of acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) on CD4 and HIV-RNA trends was studied over a 2-year follow-up period.

Methods: Four groups of HIV-infected patients stratified according to the time interval from ARS onset to HAART initiation and a control group of untreated patients were compared.

Results: The results indicated that the earlier the start of HAART, the faster was the rate of CD4 increase and HIV-RNA decrease. However, this difference did not seem to persist at 24 months.

Conclusions: The optimal treatment strategy for HIV-infected patients needs to be explored further.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral
  • Time Factors
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • RNA, Viral