Development and Validation of a Three-Parameter Scoring System for Monitoring HIV/AIDS Patients in Low-Resource Settings Using Hematological Parameters.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test the validity of a composite score using complete blood count (CBC) for monitoring HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the absence of viral load and CD4 count.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed the laboratory data of 82 HIV patients who had pre- and post-treatment viral load, CD4 count, and CBC data. Pre- and post-treatment data were pooled to analyze the correlation of CBC parameters with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) ranks and their performance in indicating a CD4 count<200 cells/mm3 using the Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC), with the determination of cutoffs. A score combining the significant parameters was tested to predict a CD4 count of <200.

RESULTS

Total lymphocyte count (TLC), percentage (TLP), and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were the most significant parameters, showing negative correlations with PCR (Spearman's Rho = -0.357 to -0.242). The risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was independently associated with TLC<1345 cells/mm3 (OR=2.92), TLP<29.07% (OR=3.53), and Hb<10.55 mg/dL (OR=3.60). A combined score of 2-3 indicated a CD4 count<200 with an odds ratio of 8.3-86.7.

CONCLUSION

The proposed 3-parameter score combining the use of TLC, TLP, and Hb, is an affordable and practical approach that may have clinical utility in monitoring HIV patients receiving ART in low-resource settings.