Authors : Olatunji Mabayoje, Musa Muhibi, Adekunle Mustapha, Olufemi Fadiora and Taiwo Adewole
Abstract: Prior to the advent of HAART the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was a death sentence. Research has shown that this is no more the case. This retrospective study was aimed at determining the effect of HAART on CD4 counts and body weight of HIV-positive subjects. The CD4 counts and body weight of HIV-positive patients were accessed from the records of HIV clinic of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Oshogbo. The data comprised of records of the CD4 counts and body weight of fifty HIV-positive patients not on HAART treatment and that of fifty HIV-positive patients on HAART treatment for a period of 1 year. Results showed a significant difference between mean CD4 counts of control subjects and test subjects (p<0.05). This significant difference represents an increase in CD4 count of HIV patients on HAART. This study also shows no significant difference between mean body weight of control subjects and test subjects (p>0.05). This study highlights the need for importance of regular monitoring of the CD4 count and body weight in HIV patients in order to determine when to start treatment with HAART therapy to prevent the invasion of life threatening opportunistic infections.
Olatunji Mabayoje, Musa Muhibi, Adekunle Mustapha, Olufemi Fadiora and Taiwo Adewole, 2012. The Effect of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on CD4 Counts and Body Weight in HIV/AIDS Patients in South West Nigeria. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 6: 228-231.