Factors of Low CD4 Cells Count in Treatment-naïve HIV Subjects in Southeast Nigeria

Background and objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a global healthcare problem. Low CD4 cells count, an index of immunosuppression, is associated with escalating activity and progression of HIV infection. The factors which influence low CD4 cells count have not been completely identified nor are they evaluated in routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low CD4 cells count and to evaluate the factors which might influence immunosuppression in treatment-naive HIV subjects in Southeast Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving treatment-naive HIV subjects. Anthropometric and demographic data were obtained and CD4 cells count and other relevant investigations performed. The data were compared between those who have low CD4 cells count, defined, here, as CD4 <200 cells/ml, and those with CD4 ≥ 200 cells/ml. Potential risk factors of low CD4 cells count were determined. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 39+11 years. Females were made up 283 (72.0%) and males 110 (28.0%). The median value of the CD4 cells count was 391. Low CD4 cells count was prevalent in 49 (12.5%) of the subjects. There was significant association between CD4 cells count and body mass index (df=2, p=0.017), as well as serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (df=1, p=0.027) and anemia (df=3, p=0.025). Significant, but poor, correlation was observed between CD4 cells count and 24 h urine protein (r=-0.117, p=0.023), creatinine clearance (r=-0.122, p=0.018), as well as hemoglobin (r=0.224, p<0.001). Creatinine clearance was a predictor of low CD4 cells count, p=0.001. Conclusion: The prevalence of low CD4 cells count was high in this study. Abnormal weight, dyslipidemia and proteinuric renal damage were common among treatment-naive subjects who have low CD4 cells count.