Assessing index CD4 and associated outcomes at 1-year in a tertiary HIV clinic, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management guidelines have evolved from initiating therapy at CD4 counts of ≤ 200  cells/m³ to implementing universal test and treat (UTT). This study aimed to assess whether in clinical practice, patients are presenting with higher baseline CD4 counts, describe the incidence of opportunistic infections and the proportion that achieved viral suppression.  

Methods: A retrospective cohort design with convenience sampling was conducted. Cohort 1 included patients initiated on antiretroviral  therapy (ART) between 01 January 2014 and 31 December 2014, when criteria were set at CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/mm³ . Cohort 2 included patients initiated on ART between 01 January 2019 and 31 December 2019, during the UTT era.

Results: At ART initiation, the median CD4 cell was 170 cells/mm3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 85.5–287) in Cohort 1 cells/mm³ and 243  cells/mm³ (IQR: 120–411) in Cohort 2. Tuberculosis was the predominant OI in the group with CD4 cell count ≤ 200 cells/m³ in both  Cohort 1 (26.8%) and Cohort 2 (27.9%), p = 0.039. At 1 year, virological suppression was achieved in only 77.7% and 84.7% of Cohorts 1 and  2 patients.

Conclusion: A notable portion of patients at King Edward VIII Hospital’s HIV clinic commenced ART with CD4 counts  significantly below the recommended guideline thresholds.

Contribution: The research revealed a delay in initiating ART. A  comprehensive reevaluation is essential to pinpoint the factors contributing to this delay and to devise customised interventions.