Effect of prolonged discontinuation of successful antiretroviral therapy on CD4+ T cell decline in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: Implications for intermittent therapeutic strategies

Pablo Tebas, Keith Henry, Kristin Mondy, Steven Deeks, Herman Valdez, Cal Cohen, William G. Powderly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study evaluates the change in CD4+ T cell counts among patients who achieved complete viral suppression and subsequently discontinued highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We included 72 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected patients with plasma HIV RNA loads of <500 copies/mL for at least 3 months who then discontinued therapy for at least 12 weeks. The median CD4+ T decay while off HAART was 16 cells/mm3/month (interquartile range, -6 to -34 cells/month). The mean follow-up after therapy ended was 45 weeks. The slope of the CD4+ T cell decay was inversely correlated with the increase of CD4+ T cells while receiving HAART, baseline virus load, CD4+ T cell count at the time therapy was discontinued, age, and duration HIV RNA levels were undetectable. In a multiple regression analysis model, the increase of CD4+ T cells while receiving therapy and age were independently associated with the rate of CD4+ T cell loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)851-854
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume186
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Infectious Diseases

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