Monitoring of ferritine levels

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 129 views

The Effect of the Use of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz on CD4 and Ferritin in HIV/AIDS Patients

Introduction

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. The use of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) is an essential step in managing HIV infection and preventing the progression to AIDS. In this study, we will discuss the effect of the use of a combination of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz on CD4 and ferritine cell levels in HIV/AIDS patients. This study aims to determine whether treatment with these three drugs can increase the number of CD4 cells and observe its impact on ferritine levels in the body.

Background

HIV infection attacks the body's immune system by targeting the CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. When HIV infects CD4 cells, it destroys them, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. The use of ARV therapy has been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of HIV infection and increasing the number of CD4 cells. However, the impact of ARV therapy on ferritine levels in the body is not well understood.

Methodology

This study is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test designs involving 22 HIV/AIDS patients (10 men and 12 women) who have never received ARV therapy before. The study was conducted at Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, between September 2015 and March 2016. Before starting treatment with Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz, CD4 and Ferritin cell levels in patients were measured. After three months of treatment, similar measurements are carried out again.

Results

The results showed that of the 22 patients participating, 21 patients (95.5%) experienced an increase in the number of CD4 cells after treatment, while 1 patient (4.5%) had decreased. Significant changes in CD4 cell levels are measured by the value of P <0.05, which indicates a positive effect of the treatment. However, despite an increase, the number of CD4 cells in most patients has not reached the normal range. On the other hand, ferritine levels do not show significant changes, with a P> 0.05 value, which shows that an increase in the number of CD4 cells is not accompanied by a decrease in ferritine levels.

Discussion

Increasing the number of CD4 cells in HIV/AIDS patients who receive a combination treatment of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz show the effectiveness of this therapy in improving the immune system. However, it is important to note that not all patients managed to reach the normal range for CD4 cells, and an increase in CD4 cells has no effect on ferritine levels. This indicates that treatment with ARVs may not have a direct impact on changes in ferritine levels in the body, which can be an indication that other factors also play a role in increasing ferritine levels.

Conclusion

From this study, we can conclude that the use of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz is effective in increasing CD4 cell levels in HIV/AIDS patients. Nevertheless, monitoring of overall health conditions is still needed to ensure that all aspects of the patient's health are well maintained during therapy. Further research is needed to explore the mechanism that underlies the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritine levels in the body, as well as to find additional strategies that can help patients achieve optimal health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued use of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz: The use of this combination of ARVs should continue to be recommended for HIV/AIDS patients, as it has been shown to be effective in increasing CD4 cell levels.
Monitoring of ferritine levels: Ferritine levels should be monitored regularly in HIV/AIDS patients receiving ARV therapy, as it may provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritine levels.
Further research: Further research is needed to explore the mechanism that underlies the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritine levels in the body, as well as to find additional strategies that can help patients achieve optimal health.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Short duration of treatment: The duration of treatment in this study is relatively short, which may not be representative of the long-term effects of ARV therapy.
Limited measurement of ferritine levels: Ferritine levels were only measured at two time points in this study, which may not provide a complete picture of the changes in ferritine levels over time.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Explore the mechanism of the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritine levels: Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritine levels in the body.
Find additional strategies to improve health outcomes: Additional strategies should be explored to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes, including the use of combination therapy and the monitoring of ferritine levels.
Increase the sample size and duration of treatment: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and duration of treatment to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of ARV therapy on CD4 and ferritine levels.
Q&A: The Effect of the Use of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz on CD4 and Ferritin in HIV/AIDS Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

We have received many questions from readers regarding the effect of the use of Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz on CD4 and ferritin in HIV/AIDS patients. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and our responses.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine whether treatment with Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz can increase the number of CD4 cells and observe its impact on ferritin levels in the body.

Q: Who were the participants in this study?

A: The participants in this study were 22 HIV/AIDS patients (10 men and 12 women) who have never received ARV therapy before.

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results showed that of the 22 patients participating, 21 patients (95.5%) experienced an increase in the number of CD4 cells after treatment, while 1 patient (4.5%) had decreased. Ferritin levels did not show significant changes.

Q: What does this study mean for HIV/AIDS patients?

A: This study suggests that treatment with Zidovudin, Lamivudin, and Efavirenz is effective in increasing CD4 cell levels in HIV/AIDS patients. However, it is essential to note that not all patients managed to reach the normal range for CD4 cells, and an increase in CD4 cells has no effect on ferritin levels.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, short duration of treatment, and limited measurement of ferritin levels.

Q: What are the implications of this study for future research?

A: This study highlights the need for further research to explore the mechanism that underlies the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritin levels in the body, as well as to find additional strategies that can help patients achieve optimal health.

Q: Can you explain the importance of monitoring ferritin levels in HIV/AIDS patients?

A: Ferritin levels are an essential indicator of the body's iron stores. In HIV/AIDS patients, ferritin levels can be elevated due to chronic inflammation and infection. Monitoring ferritin levels can provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritin levels.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using combination therapy in HIV/AIDS patients?

A: Combination therapy, which includes the use of multiple ARVs, has been shown to be effective in increasing CD4 cell levels and reducing the risk of disease progression in HIV/AIDS patients.

Q: Can you explain the concept of "optimal health" in the context of HIV/AIDS treatment?

A: Optimal health refers to the achievement of the best possible health outcomes for HIV/AIDS patients, including the suppression of viral load, increase in CD4 cell levels, and improvement in overall quality of life.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include further exploration of the mechanism that underlies the relationship between ARV treatment and ferritin levels in the body, as well as the development of additional strategies to help patients achieve optimal health.

Q: How can readers stay up-to-date with the latest research on HIV/AIDS treatment?

A: Readers can stay up-to-date with the latest research on HIV/AIDS treatment by following reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and peer-reviewed journals.