Question:
In my practice setting, (A state-level Division of Corrections) it is current policy to begin Anti-Retroviral therapy when the patient's CD-4 count decreases below 500. (Viral Burden testing and Protease Inhibitors are not yet available to us). In view of the "Hit Early/ Hit Hard" philosophy of treatment, is this a realistic pre-requisite? If not, can you suggest documents to support earlier initiation of therapy?
Dr. Torres' Response:
The NIH and Public Health Service have put together a panel of experts to
come up with recommendations for antiretroviral therapy. These
recommendations will probably be published within the next few months. The
International AIDS Society published recommendations late June 1996 in
Nature Medicine which you can access in the meantime.
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