Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: HIV has been called one of the most destructive pandemics in the history of world. This study is aimed at identifying the effect of various socio-clinical parameters on the response of HAART. Materials & methods: The study comprised of 180 HIV+ve patients on ART. In this study, the patients were selected as per following criteria- Baseline investigations were carried out in all the patients. This included assessment of Hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, random blood sugar, serum creatinine, serum glutamate phosphoryl transferase, Hepatitis B surface antigen and Hepatitis C virus. Radiological investigations included evaluation of Chest X-ray PA view, Ultrasonography abdomen (optional) and others. Baseline CD4 count was carried out in all the patients. Simultaneous assessment of HAART adherence was also done. All the results were analysed by SPSS software. Results: CD4 count range 200-350, 12(30%) were in non-responder group and 28 (70%) in responder group. This difference was statistically significant (Z=2.47, p<0.05) showing that CD4 count <50 associated with poor response and >200 associated with good response.Out of 95 responders 92(96.84%) had >95% adherence, 2(2.11%) had 95-80% adherence and 1.05% had <80%. Among 85 non responders 75(78.95%) had adherence >95%, 2(2.35%) had 95-80% and 8(9.41%) had < 80%.The difference is significant for adherence >95% (Z = 2.26, p<.05%) and <80 %( Z = 2.57, p <0.05%) suggesting that adherence >95% associated with good response and <80% associated with poor response. Conclusion: Female sex, higher body mass index, higher CD4 count, known HIV+ve partner status, >95% adherence is associated with better response and vice-versa. Key words: HAART, HIV