Optimal Time for Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Asymptomatic, HIV-Infected, Treatment-Naive Adults. 17/3/10

Cochrane Collaboration

Summary

When is the best time to start antiretroviral therapy in people with HIV infection, who have not received antiretroviral treatment before and who do not have any symptoms of HIV illness?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of AIDS and in reducing HIV-related illnesses and death. Traditionally, therapy is administered based on a patient’s CD4 cell count, where the number of CD4 cells reflects the body’s immune (defense) system.  An HIV-infected individual with a CD4 cell count of 500 cells/µL is considered healthy enough not to need ART. When a patient’s cell count reaches 200 cells/ µL, however, the immune system is severely weakened and ART is necessary. A patient with advanced symptoms receives treatment regardless of CD4 count.