A technique for accurate use of CD4+ cell counts |
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Authors: | Vedhara K Nott K H Richards S M Bradbeer C Davidson E A Ong E L Snow M H |
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Affiliation: | Department of Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK. |
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Abstract: | Despite uncertainty over their reliability, CD4+ cell counts are used extensively in both clinical and research settings to document progression in HIV infection. We examined, therefore, whether the performance of a simple statistical test would facilitate greater accuracy in the use of this marker. CD4+ cell count data were collected from a cohort of deceased (N = 60) and living HIV-positive gay men (N = 100). Pearson's product moment correlation coefficients were calculated for each individual in order to examine the association between CD4+ counts and time since diagnosis. Correlations of 0.7 or greater were obtained in approximately 50 percent of cases in each cohort. For these individuals, CD4+ cell counts were deemed to be a reliable indicator of rate of progression. The results suggest that the proposed technique ensures greater precision in the use of CD4+ cell counts and that the technique cna be used in individuals with either complete (deceased patients) or partial (living patients) CD4+ data. |
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