STUDY OF ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ANTI RETROVIRAL THERAPY IN HIV NAÃVE PATIENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH CD4 CELL COUNT

Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the human immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening infections and cancers. AIDS is characterized by changes in the population of CD4 T-cell lymphocytes that play a key role in the immune defense system. However adverse drug reactions (ADR) related to HAART has limited its utility and compliance.Aim: To study the adverse effects of ART and its correlation with CD4 cell count in a resource-restricted setting in central India.Methods: 152 HIV naive patients on ART were studied prospectively over a period of 18 months. All patients were asked to visit the clinic if they developed any symptoms or on a six monthly basis along with CD4 count done at every six month. They were screened clinically and investigated suitably for any ADRs.Result: Out of the 152 patients, nine patients lost for follow-up and fourteen died; 129 cases were available for evaluation. ADRs were observed in 98 cases (75.4percent). Only hepatic 29percent and cutaneous (24percent), adverse effects were seen in patients with higher CD4 Cell count whereas other adverse effects like hematological (38percent), gastrointestinal (30percent), neurological (24percent) and metabolic (10) were more common with lower CD4 cell count.Conclusion: To optimize adherence and prevention of adverse effects of HAART, one must look for CD4 count at start of therapy and can prevent severe ADR whenever possible and can prevent potentially serious and life threatening events.Keywords: Highly activated anti retroviral therapy, adverse drug reaction and CD4 count, HIV infection.Â