EFFECT OF HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTlRETROVIRAL THERAPY ON CD4 COUNT AND WEIGHT IN AIDS PATIENTS SEEN AT THE UITH, ILORlN
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Date
2008-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
Abstract
Objective: To determine the response on treatment-naive HIV/AIDS patients to the Highly Active
Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in terms of CD4 Count and Weight gain over a period of 21'2 years.
Methods: Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were recruited under the Federal
Government Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) programme at the University of Ilorin Teaching
Hospital. The treatment regimen included Lamivudine, Starvudine and Nevirapine. The patients' responses
were evaluated with respect to CD4 count and weight over the period of treatment. The diagnosis of HIVIAIDS
was made on the basis of reactivity with two different ELlSAreagents, and CD4 count was done with Dynal T4
Quant method. The weights (kg.) of the patients were taken at monthly visit.
Results: The duration of treatment for the patients analysed ranged from 1 month to 14 months. Analysis of
CD4 count was possible in 105 patients. The mean post treatment CD4 count and weight were significantly
higher than the pre-treatment values ep < 0.001 and p < 1.0I) respectively. There were significant positive
correlations (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) between increases in CD4 count and weight respectively, and duration of
treatment. In eight (8) patients, CD4 Count reduced or remained the same in spite oftreatmcnt.
Conclusion: The HAART regime is associated with increase in CD4 Count and weight gain. While increases in
CD4 Count and weight correlated with duration of therapy, there was no correlation between CD4 Count
increase and weight gain.
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Keywords
HIV/AIDS, Antiretroviral Therapy, CD4, Weight