Viral Loads and CD4/CD8 Interpretation

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Can anyone help me interpret some labs?

HIV VIRAL LOAD 6741 H COPIES

HIV-1 RNA COPIES LOG 3.83 H LOG COPIES/ML

CD4/CD8 PANEL

Helper Cell %: 15

CD4 ABSOLUTE CELLS 387

CD8 ABSOLUTE CELLS 1572

CD4/CD8 RATIO 0.25

Suppresser Cells %: 61

Of possible significance, this is a new Dx of HIV, and the sample was drawn after two doses of AZT.

Thank you!

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Viral load is how many copies of HIV are in one cmm of blood. After infection with HIV there is an initial spike of HIV virus and then it sort of settles into a set point. This is probably the set point. I have no idea why you would start AZT as a single agent against HIV. It is contraindicated to use a single agent antiretroviral with 3 drugs being the minimum. Even in pregnant women we are giving 3 drugs. AZT is outdated anyway and is not the drug of choice for treating HIV anymore. Just kind of strange.

The CD4 count is 387 or 15%. Nothing to really write home about. Probably a good candidate for starting antiretroviral thierapy if adherence can be assured. No real chance of a big bad opportunistic infection, or even a minor one for that matter.

If you have a specific question I could answer with more details.

Debra (AIDS Certified Registered Nurse)

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Thanks, Debra, I emailed you.

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