Prioritizing CD4 count monitoring in response to ART in resource-constrained settings: a retrospective application of prediction-based classification.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Global programs of anti-HIV treatment depend on sustained laboratory capacity to assess treatment initiation thresholds and treatment response over time. Currently, there is no valid alternative to CD4 count testing for monitoring immunologic responses to treatment, but laboratory cost and capacity limit access to CD4 testing in resource-constrained settings. Thus, methods to prioritize patients for CD4 count testing could improve treatment monitoring by optimizing resource allocation.

Methods and findings

Using a prospective cohort of HIV-infected patients (n=1,956) monitored upon antiretroviral therapy initiation in seven clinical sites with distinct geographical and socio-economic settings, we retrospectively apply a novel prediction-based classification (PBC)

SUBMITTER: Azzoni L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3328436 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature