Short communication: factors influencing time to CD4(+) T cell counts >200 cells/mm(3) in HIV-infected individuals with CD4(+) T cell <50 cells/mm(3) at the time of starting combination antiretroviral therapy.

We evaluated factors influencing time to CD4(+) T cell counts >200 cells/mm(3) in HIV-infected individuals with CD4(+) T cell <50 cells/mm(3) starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We included a total of 29 patients on successful cART for more than 1 year. In a logistic regression model, higher pre-cART CD4(+) T cell counts were significantly associated with shorter time to CD4(+) T cell counts >200cells/mm(3) in HIV-infected individuals with baseline CD4(+) T cell <50 cells/mm(3). In survival analysis, patients having higher pre-cART CD4(+) T cell counts, especially 40-49 cells/mm(3), were at significantly higher risk of achieving CD4(+) T cell counts >200 cells/mm(3).