STUDY OF CHANGING CD4 CELL COUNT PATTERN IN PREGNANT LADIES ATTENDING ART CENTRE IN AJMER REGION OF RAJASTHAN

Dr.Parul Chaturvedi; Dr.Jyotsna Chandwani; Dr.Geeta Parihar; Dr.C.K Meena

Volume : VIII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

STUDY OF CHANGING CD4 CELL COUNT PATTERN IN PREGNANT LADIES ATTENDING ART CENTRE IN AJMER REGION OF RAJASTHAN

Dr. Parul Chaturvedi, Dr. Jyotsna Chandwani, Dr. Geeta Parihar, Dr. C. K Meena

Abstract :

Background– HIV/AIDS is one of most dreadful diseases affecting mankind worldwide. As per NACO, out of these 35,255 were pregnant women (8.6% from Rajasthan). As known so far HIV deteriorates immune system & declines CD4 cell count.In pregnancy immunity is physiologically compromised further affecting CD4cell count. Studies show CD4 is the strongest predictor of disease progression & survival ,besides being cheaper &affordable. There are very few studies done on changing CD4 cell count pattern of HIV positive pregnant women. Keeping this scenario in mind, this study was carried out.

Aims & Objectives– To study CD4 cell count pattern before & during course of treatment in HIV positive pregnant females.

Methodology– A retrospective observational study was done on HIV positive pregnant females attending ART Centre, J.L.N Medical College &Hospital,Ajmer from 1Jan 2015 to 30 May 2017.Absolute CD4 cell count was done using BDFACS Cell Counter based on flow cytometry,done at time of registeration& after commencement of treatment.

Results & Conclusion– Out of 1649 HIV positive patients reported, 60.7% were males & 39.2% females. Among females,16.5% were pregnant women.Average CD4 cell count reported Pre–ART was 406 cell/mm3 & Post–ART 548 cells/mm3.Out of total 107 HIV positive pregnant females, 66.4% reported an improvement in CD4 cell count with ART.Thus, understanding the variation in CD4 count in a vulnerable group like pregnant women will provide useful insight on elimination of AIDS related deaths & improving HIV awareness towards spouse testing by launching various NGO programmes.