The predictive value of T cell function in vitro and pre-AIDS zidovudine use for survival after AIDS diagnosis in a cohort of homosexual men in Amsterdam.

The best independent predictors of survival after AIDS diagnosis were determined in 160 homosexual men from the Amsterdam Cohort Study (1987 CDC case definition). In a Cox model, all pre-AIDS laboratory markers gathered during follow-up in the study did not independently predict survival after AIDS. A second analysis, using data available only at AIDS diagnosis, revealed that T cell reactivity after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin and monoclonal CD3 antibodies and the CD4+ cell count at diagnosis were independent predictors of survival. In an interval-based Cox model, the predictive value of pre-AIDS zidovudine use was determined. One year after AIDS diagnosis, participants with pre-AIDS zidovudine use had a worse survival probability (relative hazard = 3.99). In conclusion, the survival probability of homosexual men with AIDS can be estimate adequately using information obtained at clinical AIDS diagnosis. Analysis revealed the important predictive value of T cell function tests in vitro.