Optimal time for initiation of ART

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.

Read the full Cochrane report here.

Author

  • Health-e News

    Health-e News is South Africa's dedicated health news service and home to OurHealth citizen journalism. Follow us on Twitter @HealtheNews

Free to Share

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.


Stay in the loop

We love that you love visiting our site. Our content is free, but to continue reading, please register.

Newsletter Subscription

Enable Notifications OK No thanks