Faculty Roundtable Discussion

Abstract

Dr. Saag, the question that I think is probably one of the most frequently asked. What do you start treatment with? Suppose a new patient, with no retroviral history, comes to you with a CD4 count between 400 and 500 and a viral load of 10,000 to 15,000 copies. DR. SAAG: There is more to consider in initial therapies than just retroviral load and CD4 count. It is also about who are they as a person, how motivated are they, and are they ready to start therapy? MR. FROST (MODERATOR): Let's say, as a patient, I am ready to start. I am ready to go. DR. SAAG: Alright. Then in talking to you, I would find out whether you want to be hy-peraggressive or whether you want to be more conservative in treatment approach. MR. FROST (MODERATOR): "Gosh, I do now know, Doc. You tell me." DR. SAAG: In that case, with a CD4 count of 400 and a viral load of 15,000,1 would person