Correlation of CD4+ Count, Viral Load, Clinical Findings with Transabdominal Ultrasound Findings in Adult Patients Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Abstract Background: The Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) is a cytopathic retrovirus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS) over time. Ultrasonography is a cost effective, safe, accessible and non-invasive means of demonstrating the abdominal manifestations of HIV/AIDS. CD4+ count and viral load are the two surrogate markers widely used to monitor HIV disease progression. Objective: The aim was to determine the CD4+ count, viral load and clinical findings in adult patients living with HIV/AIDS, then correlate these with their transabdominal ultrasound findings. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study involving 210 adult patients living with HIV/AIDS was conducted over a period of 18months and their ultrasound findings correlated with their clinical findings, CD4+ count and viral load. Data processing and statistical analysis were done using IBM SPSS (IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), version 21.0. (IBM corporation, Armonk, NY, U.S.A, 2011). Results: Patients with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD), high viral load as well as Moderate and severe clinical stages, had the highest proportion of abnormal ultrasound findings (28.6%, 25.7% and 28.6% respectively). Thus, decrease in CD4+count, increase in viral load result in more abnormal ultrasound findings and worse clinical stage. Conclusion: Most transabdominal ultrasound findings showed statistically significant correlation with CD4+ count, viral load and clinical findings. Ultrasonography could be employed as a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with low CD4+ count and high viral load.