Question

Recent guidelines for starting anti-retroviral therapy recommend that patients with advanced disease, as manifested by the development of an AIDS-defining illness including HAD, or presence of severe symptoms such as unexplained fever, persistent diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, should be started on ART if their \(\mathrm{CD}^{*} \mathrm{~T}\) cell count is \(<\mathbf{1 0 0}\). True/False

Short answer

Answer: True

Step-by-step solution

Read the statement carefully

Read and comprehend the statement about recent guidelines for starting anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for patients with advanced disease.

Evaluate the statement

Determine if the provided statement is true or not. To do this, assess if the recommendation for starting ART for patients with advanced disease corresponds to the actual—recent guidelines, including starting ART when the CD+ T count is below 100. It is vital for the student to be familiar with recent guidelines or to look up the latest information on ART treatment recommendations.

Provide the answer

Since the statement is in line with recent guidelines (which can vary by source), the answer is True. However, it is essential to stay updated with current guidelines to ensure the correct information at all times.

Key concepts

AIDS-defining Illness

An AIDS-defining illness is a specific infection or cancer that typically occurs in individuals with a significantly weakened immune system because of HIV. The presence of one of these illnesses can indicate the progression from HIV to AIDS.

A few common examples include:

• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Kaposi's sarcoma
• HIV-associated dementia (HAD)
• Severe wasting syndrome

These illnesses are alarming as they signal a compromise in the body's defense, making it vital to begin anti-retroviral therapy (ART) immediately. Early intervention can stave off further immune system deterioration and improve quality of life.

CD+ T Cell Count

The \(\mathrm{CD}^{+} \mathrm{T}\\) cell count is a critical measure of immune system health in individuals with HIV. These cells, also known as CD4 cells, are a type of white blood cell that play a vital role in defending the body against infections.

For people living with HIV, monitoring the \(\mathrm{CD}^{+} \mathrm{T}\\) cell count helps assess the progression of the disease.

• A healthy individual typically has a CD+ T cell count between 500 and 1500 cells per microliter of blood.
• In people with HIV, a count below 200 may lead to an AIDS diagnosis.
• A count of less than 100 signals severe immunodeficiency, heightening vulnerability to infections and diseases.

The goal of ART is to increase the \(\mathrm{CD}^{+} \mathrm{T}\\) cell count to bolster the immune system and maintain health.

HIV Treatment Protocols

HIV treatment protocols, including the initiation of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), are a structured set of guidelines that aim to manage the virus effectively. These protocols balance the need to control viral replication with minimizing drug side effects.

The factors that typically influence the initiation of ART include:

• CD+ T cell count
• Presence of AIDS-defining illnesses
• Overall health and the presence of comorbidities
• Potential for adherence to the treatment regimen

According to recent guidelines, ART should be started immediately in individuals with a CD+ T cell count below 100, or if they exhibit severe symptoms like unexplained fever or weight loss. These protocols are designed to preserve immune function, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of virus transmission.