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.
The participation of Dr. Ewald Horwath in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
Should I be on Medication
Sep 2, 2007
I was diagnosed as HIV+ in Aug 06, my CD4 was 553 and Viral Load 200,000.
In Feb 07 CD4 was 479 and Vir Load 264,000.
In June 07 CD4 was back up to 553 and no Viral check was done. My doctor said he dosent want to put me on any meds until CD4 drops to 250? What' your thoughts?
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Horwath
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all people who have had an AIDS-defining illness or other severe symptoms of HIV infection, regardless of the CD4 cell count.
For those who are HIV infected and haven't had an AIDS-defining illness or symptoms, the decision to treat depends mostly on the CD4 count. For those with CD4<350, treatment is usually recommended. For those with CD4 >350, treatment is usually deferred.
However, some doctors recommend starting treatment in those with CD4>350 and HIV RNA > 100,000 copies/mL. This is a decision based on weighing the benefits of treatment against the toxic side effects of treatment. In patients who don't have symptoms and have CD4>350, the risks of treatment are thought to outweigh any benefits in most people.
With your CD4 counts, treatment does not appear to be indicated unless you have had significant symptoms. You should discuss this with your doctor. He is giving sensible advice.
|
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
|
