Predictors of Early Death in Ethiopian Patients Treated with HAART
Author Information
Author(s): Jerene Degu, Endale Aschalew, Hailu Yewubnesh, Lindtjørn Bernt
Primary Institution: Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
Hypothesis
What are the independent risk factors for death in Ethiopian patients treated with HAART?
Conclusion
The high mortality rate in this cohort was linked to advanced disease stage and very low total lymphocyte count at presentation.
Supporting Evidence
- 24 patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 16.7 per 100 person-years.
- Mortality was highest in the first month of treatment.
- WHO clinical stage IV and TLC <= 750/mcL were independent predictors of death.
Takeaway
This study found that many patients in Ethiopia died early after starting HIV treatment, especially if they were very sick when they began treatment.
Methodology
The study involved treating adult HIV patients with HAART and analyzing their clinical and laboratory data to identify predictors of mortality.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of treatment-experienced patients and reliance on clinical staging.
Limitations
The study had a small number of patients and events, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
57% of participants were men, with a median age of 32 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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