At What CD4 Count Should You Start Taking ARVs

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Ask the Experts

CD4 Count V. CD4% Count (ABSOLUTE CD4 COUNT VERSUS CD4%, 2010) (WHEN TO START TREATMENT, 2010)

Hi,I was diagnosed with HIV around 15 months ago. Since then my health has been good (especially in the last six months) but my CD4 count has fallen a bit rapidly from 470 to 371 to 324 over this time period. However, my CD4 percentage count has...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,You are correct: The CD4% is generally considered the more accurate indicator of immune integrity, as it doesn't tend to fluctuate as much due to intercurrent illnesses and other non-HIV-related factors. (See below.)Regarding beginning... Read more »

CD4 counts vs CD4 percentage (ABSOLUTE CD4 COUNT VERSUS CD4%, 2008)

Dr. Frascino, I am a little new to dealing with HIV. I was diagnosed about 9 months ago. I was... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Absolute CD4 count down while CD4% up. (ABSOLUTE CD4 COUNT VERSUS CD4%)

Hello Dr. Bob,You are wonderful and doing very important job :) . I have never seen such a Doctor... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

Study Examines HIV-Positive Patients' Death Risk at CD4 Counts Above 350

"Having HIV appears to be associated with a greater risk of death, even when the immune system is relatively robust and patients have not started treatment," according to a study published Friday in the Lancet , MedPage Today reports (Smith,... Read more »

Understanding CD4 Cells and CD4 Cell Tests

The Basics CD4 Count and HIV CD4 Count and HIV Treatment CD4 Cell Test The Bottom Line The Basics Your immune system protects your body by fighting germs and infections.White blood cells are an important part of your immune system.... Read more »

Interleukin-2 Ineffective in Maintaining Baseline CD4+ Cell Count During Treatment Interruption

There's nothing like hearing the results of studies directly from those who actually conducted the research. It is these women and men who are transforming HIV treatment and care. In this interview, you'll meet one of these impressive HIV... Read more »

Ever Upward: "When to Start" Debate Turns to CD4+ Cell Count of 500

There's nothing like hearing the results of studies directly from those who actually conducted the research. In this interview, you'll meet two of these impressive HIV researchers and read their explanation of studies they presented at CROI 2009.... Read more »

Connect With Others

When does a person start taking ARV meds?

Posted by Carrie, 5 Replies

My boyfriends CD4 count is over 1100 and his Viral count is under 400. From my own researching, this appears to still be ok (considering the circumstances of course). He said though that today at the dr they want to start him on antiretroviral... Read more »

Low CD4 Counts - What Now?

Posted by amandajeanbrown, 7 Replies

My CD4 count has dropped to about 467. My VL is 2210 (no worries). What are some things that I can do to bring my CD4 count back up to 800-1,000? Suggestions are much appreciated. Does diet affect this, sleep, etc. Read more »

improving cd4 counts

Posted by terrrrrry2003, 2 Replies

Hi There everybody travelling on the positive train. I've been + for ten years now and been on meds for 4 years and then off them again for over three now ( with doctors approval ). As we all know, the bottom line is when the doc says " I think its... Read more »

Just Diagnosed With a CD4 Count of 5

Posted by thespoonybard, 1 Reply

In October '09, I became sick. I was stubborn and didn't start seeing a doctor until December. The doctor at the Student Health Center tried treating the multiple infections he found. I was also severely anemic. Since I am a veteran, he... Read more »

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