The search for a predictor of CD4 cell count continues: total lymphocyte count is not a substitute for CD4 cell count in the management of HIV-infected individuals in a resource-limited setting.

Akinola, N O; Olasode, O; Adediran, I A; Onayemi, O; Murainah, A; Irinoye, O; Elujoba, A A; Durosinmi, M A · Clin Infect Dis · 2004

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

Total lymphocyte count (TLC) has been recommended as a substitute for CD4 cell count for the management of HIV-infected individuals living in resource-limited settings. To confirm this, 151 TLCs and CD4 cell counts were obtained from 109 patients who had not yet started treatment and analyzed. CD4 cell counts of <200 cells/mm3 were found in 42 cases (37.8%) with TLCs of > or =1200 cells/mm3. Thus, 1 in 3 individuals would have been deprived of needed treatment. Therefore, in this setting, TLC is not a reliable predictor of CD4 cell count in HIV-infected individuals.

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