understanding cd4 - HIV Prevention Message Board

vettene · 03-22-2006, 02:39 PM

Ive just had my third 3 monthly review with my doctors

On my second review I had a cd4 count of 685 and a viral load of 1491

Since then I've started on a course of roaccutane for my acne which has worsened since my seroconversion (i have assumed its to do with this)

Now when I go back my cd4 count is 1000 and my viral load is 3200

The doctor also said that I shouldnt be too pleased with the cd4 count as it only represents 17% of my lymphocyte total

Im not sure what to think about all of this, is there anyway I can improve my lymphocyte ratio?

Anyone have any ideas?

last1 · 03-22-2006, 07:43 PM

There is tons of information out about this, not much of which I understand. However, I can tell you that the goal is to attempt to keep your cd4 count high and your viral load undetectible. Now, Cd4 will fluctuate becuase of everything from stress to a runny nose. The bottom line is that you shouldn't try to focus any more than you have to, on the numbers. The questions are: How do you feel? What's happening to you? Can you begin to read your body and do you know what you body need to feel better? chris

lost spirit · 03-22-2006, 09:31 PM

Hello devil

You're cg4 will fluctuate all over the place befor going on any kind of medication regamin because of the simple fact that there is a power struggle going on between you're immune system and the virus .
(( I assume you're not on meds yet ))
You're cd4 actualy looks good and in reality it only part of the whole picture meaning the ratio of cg4 versus the total lymphocite count .
I will try to explane .......
The key fighter in the battle against hiv is the ( T-4 or CG-4 or KILLER T CELLS ) it depends on the lab that does you're blood work and how they print it on you're blood counts report .
In a hiv- negative person the ratio of cg4 and cg8 are 2 to 1 .... 2 parts cg4 and 1 part cg8 .......
In a hiv+ person the ratio is flipped meaning 2 parts cg8 ...... 1 part cg4
Now even though you total percentage of cg4 seems down it is ( in the bloodwork results ) looking lower because the cg8 percentage is so high ......
Following me so far ?
A hiv- person can have between 900 to 1,5oo cg4 per iu/ml some people have more some have less but in a hiv+ negative person it can vary and fluctuate up and down at any given time befor medication is given to make the numbers stabilise .
Now a lot can happen in the 3 months between labs and the main thing to keep an eye on is you're trends ( UPS and DOWNS ) with you're cg4 count to see whether or not those numbers are steadly going down and staying down or up and staying up .
As you learn more about you're labs you will have a better understanding and believe me I know how hard it can be to interpet all those lines and squiggles

Like I said you're cg4 percentage may be low ( at the moment ) because youre cg8 ( killer Tcells ) are so high . And the numbers will bounce around for many many reasons like ..... The time of the day , stress , fighting the virus and even diet could all contribute .
You need to have very good comunication with you're doctor and don't be afraid to ask him as much as you need to know ...... And if he can't answer then its time to get a new doctor .
Also a dermatologist that specialises in treating hiv related acne and other skin conditions would also be you're best bet .
Keep in touch because we are all here to help my friend

In good health .............
................. Lost Spirit....................

vettene · 03-23-2006, 12:37 PM

Thanks for getting back

I guess I was just confused cos I didnt understand how all the other lymphocytes were so much more than the cd4 even tho it was like 1000

I did have to get the consultant to explain it to me about three times

Is there any good reference material out there on lymphocytes that I could check out?