Treatment outcomes of patients on antiretrovirals after six months of treatment, Khami Clinic, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Objective: To describe treatment outcomes of patients on anti-retrovirals at six months of treatment. Study Design: We conducted pre-intervention post intervention surveys using a pretest-post test design. Setting: Khami Municipal Clinic, Bulawayo. Subjects: We interviewed consecutive patients eligible to receive antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). All patients had a history of TB treatment and a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm.3 Main Outcome Measures: Mean change in CD4 count, weight, body mass index, and Karnofsky performance measured before and at six months of antiretroviral treatment. Results: 72 subjects were interviewed at baseline, their median age was 38 years (Q, 32 years, Q, 43 years). Of these, 17 (24%) died before six months of treatment. Three (4%) defaulted treatment follow up. A total of 52 respondents were alive and interviewed at six months though only 50, had repeat CD4 counts at six months. Among the 50 survivors, the mean CD4 count at six months was significantly higher than at baseline (p=0.0003). There was a 4.2 point statistical significant increase in the mean weight from baseline (p=0.0005). Similarly, the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly increased by 1.5 kg/m: from baseline, (p=0.001). The mean Karnofsky performance increased from 89% at baseline to 95% at six months (p=0004). The researchers noted that patients on TB treatment were being deferred antiretroviral therapy until they completed TB treatment. Conclusion: The Khami project bears testimony that even in a resource poor setting; treatment of HIV/AIDS with antiretroviral drugs is feasible. We recommend early treatment initiation for those on TB treatment in line with national guidelines.