Effect of characteristics on the clinical course at the initiation of treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection using dimensionality reduction

Abstract

The beginning of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection treatment depends on various factors, which are significantly correlated with the initial CD4 cell number. However, a covariate correlation between these factors may not reflect the correct outcome variable. Thus, we evaluated the effects of a combination of fixed factors (reduced dimensions), which determine when to start treatment for the first time, on short-term outcome, long-term outcome, and survival, considering correlations between factors. Multiple correspondence analysis was performed on variables obtained from 925 patients who participated in a Korean HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cohort study (2006–2017). Five reduced dimension groups were derived according to clinical data, viral load, CD4 cell count at diagnosis, initial antiretroviral therapy, and others. The dimension group with high initial viral loads (55,000 copies/mL) and low CD4 cell counts (< 200 cells/mm3) should start treatment promptly after diagnosis. Groups with high initial CD4 cell counts (> 350 cells/mm3) that did not require immediate treatment according to previous guidelines had a higher failure rate for long-term relative CD4 recovery. Our results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to positively influence long-term disease outcomes, even if the initial immune status is poor, given the patient’s combination of early diagnostic symptoms.

Recent Developments in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalytic Degradation of Antiviral Drug Pollutants

“…ATVs exert their effects by interrupting the intricate viral replication cycle at distinct stages [ 26 ]. Although many antiviral infections tend to resolve spontaneously due to the proficient immune system of the host, there has been a steady increase in mortality rates attributed to these pathogenic agents despite ongoing efforts to enhance our understanding of viral infections and their management [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Thus, the imperative for the development of ATVs therapeutics to effectively control and combat viral infections remains evident.…”