T4+ Cell Depletion as a Major Risk Factor for AIDS-Related Complex and AIDS. Longitudinal Study of 253 HIV-Antibody Positive Heroin Addicts from Northern Italy

Abstract

We enrolled 253 HIV-antibody positive heroin addicts without HIV-related disease (n = 81) or with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (n = 172) in a prospective study to evaluate clinical progression to AIDS related complex (ARC) or AIDS and to identify factors of possible prognostic relevance. Follow-up lasted between 6 and 40 months (median 12 months). According to the non-parametric Cox's model the only significant (P<0.001) prognostic variable was T4+ cell count considered in three classes: >800/μl (no depletion), 400–800/μl (moderate depletion) and <400/μl (absolute depletion). Subjects with T4+ cell count of <400/μl had a risk of developing ARC or AIDS that was 6.46 and 1.98 higher than those with values of >800/μl or between 400 and 800/μl respectively. The estimated probability of progression to ARC or AIDS was 0.029, 0.056 and 0.172 at one year in subjects with T4+ cell count of >800/μl, 400–800/μl and <400/μl, respectively, and 0.2%, 0.501, and 0.896 at two years.