Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |
 |
Fallen CD4 Count
May 11, 2008
I've had an undetectable viral load (<48) for more than 5 months, and my CD4 counts have risen from 150s to 390s after a year on treatment (Atripla). Today's lab showed a CD4 drop from 380s to 280s in one month. Viral load remains undetectable. I don't have any current illnesses or infections. Is it normal for such a big CD4 change in a short time? And overall, which do you think is more important to worry about: CD4 or viral load?
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Holodniy
You also need to know what the total white blood cell (WBC) count, and total lymphocyte count, and CD4 percent is. On the face of it, a 100 cell decrease could be significant. However, if the viral load is still undetectable, and the CD4 percent did not change (or decline more than 3 percent), it is probably not clinically significant. Both tests are important. Viral load and CD4 count for continued effectiveness of the regimen, and CD4 count for risk of immune system impairment.
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
