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CD4+RTE% predicts disease progression and may reflect history of disease in HIV-positive patients and adolescents. They are easy to measure in the clinical setting and may be helpful markers in guiding treatment decisions.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Persons aged 15-24 years have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Adolescents in protective services custody may be at even greater risk of acquiring STIs, however little is known about the prevalence of STIs among this population. We therefore set out to assess the prevalence of STIs among adolescents seen in the Harris County Child Protective Services Clinic. DESIGN A retrospective chart review from January 2009 to December 2011 was conducted. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Patients age 12 to 18 years old seen for their intake physical at the Harris County Child Protective Services clinic in Houston, Texas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Main outcome measures included the number of positive tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. Secondary measures included sexual history, use of condoms and contraception and reports of drug and alcohol use. RESULTS Among 437 patients, 60% were female, mean age 15; nearly half were African-American. There were 27 cases of chlamydia, 12 gonorrhea, 3 syphilis, and no HIV. Three of the teens that reported never having sex were positive for an STI. Female, older than 15 and having had sexual intercourse at least once were all significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of STIs in adolescents entering foster care was comparable to national averages. Recommending routine screening of all adolescents in this population is important to ensure better detection and treatment.