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Introduction to combination therapy - June 2008
Contents. 
CD4 count and risk of illness. 
Men and women 
Children.
There are some differences between HIV in women and men.
One of these is that at the same CD4 count, women can have a slightly lower viral load than men. Some studies also show that women have a higher risk of becoming ill than men at the same CD4 count.
This may be a reason for women to start treatment earlier than men. The evidence to support this was not strong enough for this to be included in treatment guidelines.
An American study found that viral load levels vary during the different stages of the menstrual cycle.
It may be a good idea, for you and your doctor, to make a note of where you are in your cycle when you have these tests. You can then make an allowance for this when you get the results.
Guide to HIV, pregnancy and women's health.www.i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
HIV can be treated very safely and effectively during pregnancy. In addition, treatment with combination therapy that reduces viral load to below detection dramatically reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby to almost zero.
Women with a CD4 count that is above 250 cells/mm3 should not start treatment with the drug nevirapine because they have a higher risk of liver toxicity. This caution also applies to pregnant women.
Contents. CD4 count and risk of illness. Men and women Children.
This is the web edition of the i-Base guide Introduction to
combination therapy. This guide is available in UK clinics.
Decisions relating to your treatment should always be taken in consultation with your doctor. Information in this guide is intended to support those discussions.
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