Question
My CD4 has dropped by 65, do i need to be worried?
20 August 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
I tested positive in 2013. Since then my CD4 has dropped from 750 to 685. Why has it dropped so much? Do i have something to be worried about?
Answer
Hi,
I’m sorry you are concerned about your results.
A doctor in the UK would not be worried about this new CD4 count. The difference between the two results is not statistically significant. CD4 count fluctuates naturally. Several CD4 results are usually taken together to track general trends.
I am assuming that you have not started treatment yet. In the UK guidelines recommend starting treatment once your CD4 has fallen to 350. Your CD4 will drop gradually but this is normal and should be expected. It could take a number of years till you drop to 350. Studies have show that there are not any long term health benefits to starting earlier than that.
You can find more information about CD4 count in our online treatment guide,
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