Clinical prognostic value of RNA viral load and CD4 cell counts during untreated HIV-1 infection--a quantitative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prognostic value of CD4 counts and RNA viral load for identifying treatment need in HIV-infected individuals depends on (a) variation within and among individuals, and (b) relative risks of clinical progression per unit CD4 or RNA difference.

Methodology/principal findings

We reviewed these measurements across (a) 30 studies, and (b) 16 cohorts of untreated seropositive adults. Median within-population interquartile ranges were 74,000 copies/mL for RNA with no significant change during the course of infection; and 330 cells/microL for CD4, with a slight proportional increase over infection. Applying measurement and physiological fluctuations observed on chronically infected patients, we estimate that 45% of population-level variation in RNA, and 25% of variati

SUBMITTER: Korenromp EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2694276 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature