IMPACT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ADHERENCE ON IMMUNOLOGICAL INDICATORS IN CHILDREN WITH HIV INFECTION
Keywords:
HIV infection, children, antiretroviral therapy, adherence, CD4+ lymphocytes, immunological indicators, immunodeficiency.Abstract
HIV infection in children remains a significant medical and social problem despite the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The effectiveness of ART largely depends on the level of adherence to treatment, while poor adherence contributes to immunological failure, disease progression, and the development of severe complications. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different levels of adherence to ART on immunological indicators in children with HIV infection. The study included 695 children receiving ART. Immunological status was evaluated based on the absolute CD4+ lymphocyte count. A high level of adherence (≥95%) was associated with more favorable immunological outcomes, including a higher frequency of normal CD4+ lymphocyte levels and a lower prevalence of severe immunosuppression. In contrast, low adherence was significantly associated with decreased CD4+ lymphocyte counts and a higher frequency of severe immunodeficiency. The obtained results confirm the critical importance of sustained adherence to ART for effective immune system recovery in children with HIV infection.
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