ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
AIDS
;
AIDS-related complex
;
Walter-Reed-classification
;
Staging systems
;
HIV-infection
;
CDC-classification
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The clinical value of different classification systems of HIV-infection has been examined in a cohort of 99 HIV-infected individuals. AIDS-related complex (ARC), Walter-Reed (WR) stage 5 and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) group IV without AIDS cases were equally capable of identifying patients with bad prognosis: Out of 12 patients progressing to AIDS, 9 WR 5, 7 CDC IV and 7 ARC. Prognostic parameters (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Haemoglobin, Leucocytes, CD4-lymphocytes and Beta2-Microglobulin) did not differ in the three groups. However, there were great differences in the frequency of patients infected by homosexual contacts and of intravenous drug-abusers. Drug-abusers were more often seen in the ARC-group, whereas there was a slight dominance of homosexuals in the WR 5-group (and a marked preponderance in the AIDS-group). Using 3 different ARC-definitions we found an ARC-frequency of 10%, 24% and 41% in our cohort. Thus the great variability of the ARC-concept could be demonstrated. In conclusion we believe that for the purpose of clinical documentation and studies the ARC-concept is unnecessary. Further studies have to evaluate other classification systems (Walter-Reed, CDC) or to establish new ones.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01646849
Permalink
