Relationship between Total Lymphocyte count (TLC) and CD4 count among peoples living with HIV, Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective evaluation
2008

Relationship between Total Lymphocyte Count and CD4 Count in HIV Patients in Southern Ethiopia

Sample size: 2019 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Daka Deresse, Loha Eskindir

Primary Institution: Hawassa University

Hypothesis

The study aims to assess the relationship between total lymphocyte count and CD4 count in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The study found low sensitivity and specificity of total lymphocyte count as a surrogate measure for CD4 count.

Supporting Evidence

  • Total lymphocyte count showed low sensitivity (41%) and specificity (83.5%) for predicting CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 in adults.
  • A TLC ≤ 1780 cells/mm3 had maximal sensitivity (61%) and specificity (62%) for predicting CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3.
  • The correlation coefficient for lnCD4 and lnTLC was .398, indicating a moderate relationship.

Takeaway

Doctors in Ethiopia can use total lymphocyte count to help understand HIV patients' health, but it's not very reliable.

Methodology

A retrospective evaluation of 2019 cases from three hospitals using Pearson correlation, linear regression, and ROC analysis.

Limitations

The study did not include white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets in the analysis.

Participant Demographics

53% female, mean age 32.4 years, 85% below 40 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-6405-5-26

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