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.
Long term non-progresser with high VL?
Aug 31, 2005
Hi guys,
Any chance of being a long term non-progresser with a high VL? My VL is 750,000+ yet my CD4 stays stable around 600. What gives? Also should one always start on meds with such a high VL? Or should I wait for CD4s to fall? Thanks
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Pierone
Hello and thanks for posting.
There was a very interesting presentation at CROI (AIDS conference) earlier this year that may provide the answer to your question. Here is the link. In a nutshell, the investigators identified a small group of patients who had long-term nonprogression in spite of high viral loads. The distinguishing characteristic was that these patients were infected with virus that had impaired replication capacity (due to a variety of molecular mutations/mechanisms).
This may be what is happening in your situation. It is likely that you don't need to start on medications with a high and stable CD4 cell count. These investigators are from Cleveland, Ohio. To follow up you might consider contacting them and see if they are still studying this topic.
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!
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.
E-Mail
Glossary
Response from Dr. Pierone
