Characteristics and follow-up of newly managed HIV-infected patients in the national referral center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Background: In sub-Saharan countries, HIV testing and treatment facilities are available, especially at subsidized rates for the past few years.

Methods: A prospective and descriptive review was conducted at Yalgado Ouédraogo Teaching Hospital Internal Medicine department in Ouagadougou, using personal case report forms, between June 2009 and August 2010 in all newly diagnosed adults with positive HIV antibody.

Results: The study participants consisted of 191 patients at a median age of 37 years (range, 18-65 years) and sex ratio (men/women): 0.66. In all, 110 (57.6%) patients were symptomatic. Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up. Of the 177 patients, 144 had CD4 count <350 cells/mm(3) and all have been treated. At the ninth month, weight gain and immune restoration were significant (P < .01); only 79 of the 144 patients had viral load measurement, and 76 of the 79 were undetectable. Mortality rate of treated patients was 6.25%.

Conclusion: Laboratory tests and highly active antiretroviral therapy make the management of patients easier, but a majority of them still presented late and were still lost to follow-up. Nevertheless, we have excellent treatment success.