CD4 Cell Counts at HIV Diagnosis among Outpatients (2000–2009)
Author Information
Author(s): Kate Buchacz, Carl Armon, Frank J. Palella, Rose K. Baker, Ellen Tedaldi, Marcus D. Durham, John T. Brooks
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
It is unclear if CD4 cell counts at HIV diagnosis have improved over a 10-year period of expanded HIV testing in the USA.
Conclusion
There was no significant improvement in median CD4 counts at HIV diagnosis from 2000 to 2009, with a substantial proportion of patients diagnosed late.
Supporting Evidence
- 36% of patients were diagnosed with a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3.
- Median CD4 count at HIV diagnosis was 299 cells/mm3.
- Late HIV diagnoses were more common among black and Hispanic patients.
Takeaway
The study looked at people diagnosed with HIV and found that many still have low CD4 counts when they find out they are infected, which is not good for their health.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from HIV Outpatient Study participants diagnosed with HIV within 6 months before entering care, focusing on CD4 counts and late diagnoses.
Potential Biases
There may be convenience sampling bias as not all patients in care were enrolled.
Limitations
The study may not represent all patients as it only included those who entered care and consented to the study.
Participant Demographics
Participants included a diverse population with varying insurance types and risk factors for HIV.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.13
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.40–0.70
Statistical Significance
p=0.13
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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