Cluster of differentiation 4+ cell count mean value, reference range and its influencing factors in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-seronegative pregnant women in Lagos

Abstract

Background: Immunity in pregnancy is physiologically compromised and this may affect cluster of differentiation four (CD₄) count levels. It is well established that several factors affect CD₄ count level in pregnancy. This study aims to determine the effects of maternal age, gestational age, parity and level of education as they influence CD₄ count in pregnancy and also to determine the mean and reference range of CD₄ count in pregnancy in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Ante-natal clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria. About 5 mls of blood was collected into Ethylene Diamine Tetracetic Acid (EDTA) bottles from HIV-negative pregnant women in various gestational ages of pregnancy. CD₄₊ cell count and full blood count of all samples were done within 3 hours of collection. The descriptive data was given as means ± standard deviation (SD). Pearson’s chi-squared test and correlation were used for analytical assessment. Results: A total of 74 pregnant women were recruited. The age range was 19–41 years and a mean age of 30.42 ± 5.34 years. The CD₄₊ cell count was not statistically significant when compared with participants ages P = 0.417, neither with gestational ages P = 0.323, nor with parity P = 0.247 nor level of education P = 0.96. An overall mean CD₄₊ cell count was 771.96 ± 250 cells/μl and the range was 193–1370 cells/μl. Conclusion: Maternal age, gestational age, parity and level of education had no significant effects on CD₄₊ cell count levels in pregnancy. The mean CD₄₊ cell count of HIV-negative pregnant women in Lagos is 771.96 ± 250 cells/μl.

Keywords: CD₄₊ cell count, mean value, pregnant women, reference range