Question

What makes someone a fast progressor?

21 January 2009. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Living with HIV long-term, Other tests.

What makes someone a fast progressor? How do you define this? How many CD4 checks do you need before you have enough to establish if your a fast progressor?

Once again I must also take this chance to say thank you for continuing to provide such a wonderful collection of information for everyone and the amazing knowledge and kind understanding that you show people always. You are amazing people. Thank you so much.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Thanks for the nice words.

A partial technical explanation about fast/slow progression can be found at the following links: http://www.griv.org/publi/17.pdf and http://www.aegis.com/aidsline/1995/nov/M95B0397.html Nobody can give a comprehensive explanation until now though. Further research is necessary in that direction.

As for exact definition, the terms are used fairly freely. Usually we accept that somebody is a fast progressor if he/she gets to a CD4 below 200 within a year-2-3 from the point of infection. With the new guidelines and starting treatment at 350 this terminology may very well change.

As for the number of tests, perhaps 3-4 consecutive tests within a year period will show the trend.