When to start antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The results of international clinical trials that are assessing when to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) will not be available for several years.

Objective

To inform HIV treatment decisions about the optimal CD4 threshold at which to initiate ART in South Africa while awaiting the results of these trials.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analysis by using a computer simulation model of HIV disease.

Data sources

Published data from randomized trials and observational cohorts in South Africa.

Target population

HIV-infected patients in South Africa.

Time horizon

5-year and lifetime.

Perspective

Modified societal.

Intervention

No treatment, ART initiated at a CD4 count less than 0.250 x 10(9) cells/L, and ART initiated at a CD4

SUBMITTER: Walensky RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3092478 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature