Hi Joe,

I have another question for you. I have recently seen my consultant, and he has suggested changing PI's from Atazanavir to Darunavir. He quotes a few studies that suggest additional benefit for DRV. At the moment I'm undetectable on ATV(r) and a few NRTI's. I'm not sure I want to go down this route, as I associate DRV with treament experienced patients, and this is my first line therapy. What do you think? Have you experienced Darunavir as a first line ARV? My second question concerns my latest stats, my CD4 at 155 is associated with a whopping 32%! I'm taking septrin, TDF and 3TC, as well as ATV(r). I was taking AZT, but this has been dropped to get the CD4 back up. Is the low WBC related to my regimen (including septrin, or is it something more sinister (bone marrow disease or blood disorder)? Thanks again and take care. Michael.

Michael,

Thanks for your questions. Darunavir is now approved for both first line treatment as well as for treatment experienced patients. It is a very potent protease inhibitor, but potency does not seem to be an issue with your regimen since you have an undtectable viral load. There are no data to indicate that darunavir would be better than atazanavir to increase your CD4 count once the virus is suppressed. Reasons to switch may be due to side effects (if your have scleral icterus that bothers you alot, which means that the white part of the eyes looks yellow) or drug interactions, such as having to be on drugs to block acid in the stomach.

The disconnect between your increase in CD4% and total CD4 count is more a reflection on the state of the body's ability to make and maintain lymphocytes and less of a direct effect of HIV. Septra can be a cause of marrow suppression. Changing to another medicine to prevent PCP (such as dapsone if your G6PD level is normal or atovaquone) may help. If your CD4 counts have been very low for a long time it may take a while to have an increase in CD4. This is a very challenging issue right now. As long as you have no symptoms and any old infections (such as MAI or CMV) have been suppressed, I would just wait and give it some time.

Best,

Joe