Body mass index increases CD4+ count in HIV/AIDS patients on first-line therapy

Abstract

Background<br />The body mass index (BMI) may contribute somewhat to drug metabolism, thus affecting the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART). CD4+ counts in people infected with HIV are essential in determining the stage of the disease, initiation of antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infections and evaluating treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the association of BMI and clinical stage with CD4+ counts in HIV patients seeking treatment using first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART).<br /><br />Methods<br />An analytic study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted involving 251 HIV/AIDS patients who had received first-line antiretrovirals over six months. BMI, clinical staging according to WHO and CD4 + were collected. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between BMI, clinical stage and CD4+.<br /><br />Results<br />Among the enrolled patients, the median age was 36 years, 135 (55%) of the patients was female, 102 (40.6%) was overweight/obese, 161 (64.1%) was in stage 3 of the disease, and the median CD4+ count was 389 cells/mm3. Multiple linear regression test showed two variables with a significant effect on CD4+ count, namely BMI (B=69.247; 95 % CI : 42.886-95.608) and clinical stage (B=61.590; 28.910-94.270). BMI was the most influencing factor for CD4+ count (β=0.307) compared to clinical stage (β=0.216). <br /><br />Conclusions<br />Body mass index was the most influencing factor for CD4 + counts of HIV/AIDS patients. Regular ART can increase CD4+ counts and maintain the health of HIV/AIDS patients.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio as Predictors of CD4 Count among People Living with HIV

“…Matching results were found in the study of Kwantwi et al 25 , which stated a positive correlation between BMI and CD4 (r = 0.301). 25 Another research by Widiyanti et al 32 also stated that the BMI value significantly affected increasing CD4 count. 32 BMI is an indicator for assessing nutritional status, which can be a predictor of immune status in HIV patients.…”

“…25 Another research by Widiyanti et al 32 also stated that the BMI value significantly affected increasing CD4 count. 32 BMI is an indicator for assessing nutritional status, which can be a predictor of immune status in HIV patients. 33 A study in China proved that HIV patients with higher baseline BMI had a better immune recovery process.…”