Comparing Outcomes of HIV-Infected Chinese Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy by CD4 Count at Treatment Initiation: A Nationwide Retrospective Observational Cohort Study, 2012-2014.

The chief concerns for antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs considering removal of CD4 cell count thresholds for treatment are the increased incidence of ART-related adverse events. A nationwide observational cohort study was conducted among patients who initiated ART in 2012. We divided the eligible patients into three groups: an early ART group with a baseline CD4 cell count of 500 cells/μL or greater, a standard ART group with a baseline CD4 cell count between 350 and 499 cells/μL, and a late ART group with a baseline CD4 cell count between 200 and 349 cells/μL.