Evaluation of CD4 count progression in HIV-infected patients on different classes of antiretroviral regimens

Background: Understanding the expected effects of different antiretroviral regimens on CD4 count will guide therapeutic decision and monitoring treatment progress that will improve patients’ outcomes.Objective: To evaluate the effects of two first line and one second line antiretroviral regimens on annual changes in CD4 count of HIV-infected patients at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.Method: A retrospective analysis of patients’ records between 2011 and 2015 which were selected using systematic random sampling was conducted. A total of 423 records of patients that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for changes in CD4 count. The data were analysed using descriptive, correlation and linear regression statistics, with p 300 to 500 cells/mm3 mostly had insignificant increase of 4.5%, 1.3% and 2.9% respectively. All patients with CD4 >500 cells/mm3 had insignificant decrease.Conclusion: Significant increase in annual percentage CD4 count is observed only when the CD4 count is low with patients on TDF+XTC+EFZ regimen showing the best increase. Increase in duration of the disease and treatment were associated with low annual increase.Keywords: Antiretroviral regimen, CD4 count, HIV, Highly active antiretroviral therapy