Impact of CD4 T cell count on the outcome of planned treatment interruptions in early-treated human immunodeficiency virus-infected children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011 May;30(5):435-8. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181ff8661.

Abstract

Early highly active antiretroviral therapy is recommended in all vertically human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected infants. We describe the long-term immunologic outcome after planned treatment interruption (PTI) in 7 children diagnosed and treated during acute HIV infection (age <12 weeks). Children had remained a median of 57 months off treatment, 3 of them indefinitely. The 2 patients with the lowest nadir CD4% reinitiated highly active antiretroviral therapy because of a CD4 cell decline of <20%; 2 children resumed treatment because of clinical progression and parents' wishes. All patients experienced a decrease in CD4% after PTI, which particularly affected the naive subpopulation. The interferon-γ response against HIV-p24 antigen directly correlated with nadir CD4%. Our results suggest that early treatment in HIV-infected infants increases their potential to safely control viral replication after PTI for long periods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Withholding Treatment*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents