Assessment of the correlation of CD4 cell counts to C-reactive protein and lipoproteins in subjects with HIV infection: A clinical study

Abstract

Aims-The present study was conducted to assess any correlation existing between changes in C - reactive protein and lipoproteins with CD4 cell counts in HIV Positive patients. Materials and methods- The study was conducted on 102 HIV-positive subjects. C-reactive protein, Lipid profiles, CD4 cell counts were assessed for all subjects. The collected data were subjected to evaluation and results were formulated. Results- 102 HIV positive subjects were grouped based on CD4 cell counts in four groups, the group I CD4 count <200/μL, group II CD4 count 201-350/μL, group III CD4 count 351-500/μL, and group IV has CD4 count>500/μL. In the majority of subjects with decreased CD4 count increased CRP levels were seen with a significant inverse correlation between CRP and CD4 count. It indicates that CRP level increases with increased HIV infection severity, and with decreased CD4 count. HDL decreased in HIV-positive patients and VLDL was increased with decreased CD4 cell count. No significant association was seen in serum Triglycerides and LDL with CD4 cell count. Conclusion- The present study concludes that C-reactive protein and lipid profiles are affected in HIV-positive subjects with decreased CD4 count. Hence, regular assessment of C-reactive protein and lipid profile help in assessing disease progression, forming a treatment plan, and decreasing the risk for cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive subjects, when CD4 cell counts cannot be assessed.