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Ask the Experts about Understanding Your Labs
confused
Aug 2, 2008
Hi Mark,
I recently started Atripla, back in May. At the time, my labs were, as follows: cd4-486, 21%, vl 110,000. My most recent lab work, two months later, showed a dcrease in cd4-262, 24%, vl 24,000. My doctor says not to worry, since all my other numbers and lab work were good. Do you agree? I feel fine. I am happy that the vl is down, but was concerned over the cd4 count.
Thanks
Response from Dr. Holodniy
I am actually more concerned about the viral load decline and not the CD4 count. Since your CD4 percent has increased, the reduction in absolute CD4 count is likely not significant, although it looks like a big decrease. However, the viral load should have dropped way more than what you are seeing after 2 months. I am concerned that you might have a viral strain that is resistant to one or more of the meds in Atripla. If you are not well below 1,000 at 3 months, I would get a resistance test to see what is going on. On the other hand is you are undetectable ( < 50 copies) after 3 months, no worries.
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