BACKGROUND CD4+ cell counts and HIV RNA levels have been widely accepted as the most powerful prognostic indicators of HIV disease progression. Recent studies have suggested that low levels of serum albumin are associated with rapid disease progression to AIDS, AIDS associated mortality and all-cause mortality, independent of CD4 cell counts and HIV RNA titre. MATERIALS & METHODS Study included 60 HIV/AIDS patients > 18 years of age, presenting to Government General Hospital, Guntur, during the period of September 2017 to November 2018. It was a Case Control Study. Controls were non HIV/AIDS individuals, age and sex matched with the patients. A detailed history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations were done. Repeat measurements on 3rd month follow up include Albumin, CD4+ cell count, Haemoglobin, Total and Differential WBC counts. RESULTS Males were more common and presentation at Decompensated Stage (C3) was seen most often. More people presented with a recent onset of illness (<3 months). Most common opportunistic infection was pulmonary TB. Heterosexual behaviour was the most common risk factor seen in patients in the present study.
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