Decreased recovery of CD4 lymphocytes in older HIV-infected patients beginning highly active antiretroviral therapy

Among virological responders, the area under the curve of the CD4 count min us baseline (AUCMB) after 3, 9, 15 and 18 months of highly active antiretro viral therapy (HAART) was less in individuals 55 years or older (P < 0.05). Fewer older individuals achieved increases of 50, 100, or over 150 CD4 cel ls/mul. A random quadratic time course model estimated that the AUCMB decre ased 35 cells/year for each 10 years of additional age during the first 12 months after HAART (P < 0.005).