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Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
Can you can you help me ascertain why my cd4 isn't rising...i'm worried. I see cd4% is rising, but not cd4.
My sgpt went 37 to 85 last draw and my ggt (u/l went from 35 to 133 this last test. I am on atripla could this becausing the rise? I drink 3 to 4 beers may 1-2 times a month. Just worried about low cd4 and high sgpt and ggt. Thanks so much...another worrried patient.
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Response from Dr. Henry
Your CD4% has almost double as has your absolute count from a low of 88. CD4 recovery depends on a number of issues besides effective HIV Rx (undetectable HIV levels). Increased age, lower CD4 count, continuing immune activation (sometimes in gut), genetic (certain HLA haplo-types have poor CD4 recovery-slow). There is not much evidence that intensification with another HIV drug or any form of vitamin supplements helps in the case of slow CD4 recovery. If you are on other drugs that decreased the white blood cell count consider switching off if possible. I have had numerous patients in that situation and most eventually increased their CD4 count >> 200 but sometimes took excruciatingly long. IL-2 doesn't help. Other treatments such as growth factor or GM-CSF are being looked at but nothing can be recommended with any confidence at present.KH
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Response from Dr. Henry
