What CD4 count indicates late-stage AIDS?
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
CD4 cell counts below 100 cells/mm³ are generally considered indicative of late-stage AIDS. At this stage, patients may experience symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and diarrhea. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis may develop. Immediate treatment under a physician's guidance with medications such as lamivudine is necessary, along with nutritional support and active management of complications.
Generally, CD4 cells are a specific type of white blood cells in the immune system. When the CD4 cell count falls below 100 cells/mm³, it is essentially considered as late-stage AIDS. If experiencing any discomfort, medical consultation is necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:
CD4 cells are essential for maintaining the body's immune function and are primarily found in the blood. After contracting HIV infection, the virus may directly attack the body's CD4 cells, leading to a decline in CD4 cell count. Normally, the CD4 cell count ranges from 500 to 1600 cells/mm³. When the count falls below the normal range, HIV infection is often suspected. The lower the CD4 cell count, the more severe the AIDS condition tends to be. When the CD4 cell count drops to 100 cells/mm³, it is typically regarded as late-stage AIDS.
Once AIDS progresses to its late stage, patients may experience symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and diarrhea, along with gradual weight loss. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis may occur. At this stage, timely treatment under a doctor's guidance with medications like Lamivudine tablets, Nevirapine tablets, and Ritonavir tablets is necessary. Additionally, nutritional support and management of complications are required.
It should be noted that once AIDS reaches its late stage, proper daily care, including regular作息 and a balanced diet, is important to improve the patient's quality of life. Regular monitoring of the disease condition is also necessary, so that the doctor can adjust the treatment plan according to the patient's condition.
