Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Antiretroviral Therapy, CD4, Viral Load, and Disease Stage in Saudi HIV Patients: A Cross Sectional Study of Cases Diagnosed between 2001-2013

Abstract

Adil Isaac, Batol Ali, Sayed Qutb and Sana Flemban

Objective: HIV/AIDS is increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Middle East. The proper use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), CD4 and VL tests helped control the HIV epidemic elsewhere. We aim in this study to analyze the use of ART, CD4 and VL and stage of presentation. Design: A retrospective analytical descriptive cross sectional study.

Methods: Patients’ medical records were used to obtain laboratory and other predefined variables that are not routinely reported in surveillance; namely: ART, CD4, VL, and CDC stage. Then we have described and analyzed these variables.

Results: A total of 997 cases from 8 HIV/AIDS care providers participated. Of whom 475 (47.6%) on ART, and 522 (52.4%) are not. Among those on ART: 247 (39.5%) took Truvada combined with either efavirenz 147 (14.7%) or Kaletra 100 (10%). And 158 (15.8%) are on Combivir with either efavirenz 32 (3.2%) or Kaletra126 (12.6%). And 70 (7%) are on other combinations. The mean (Std deviation) baseline CD4 and Median (IQR) viral load are 401 cells/μl (322), and 4.6 log copies/ml (1.4) respectively. At diagnosis 72% and 28% were asymptomatic and symptomatic respectively. Late presenters and those with AIDS were 50%, and 20% respectively. Screening settings were low risk screening 35%, high risk 44%, and symptomatic 21%.

Conclusions: ART use is in line with International Guidelines but those on ART are less than expected. Large proportions were LPs or have AIDS at diagnosis. Further data is needed to evaluate the medical care of patients with HIV/AIDS in the KSA.