Trends of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients in Tianjin from 2005 to 2017

Objective To assess the trends and characteristics of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts among patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)in Tianjin City. Methods The demographic and clinical characteristics of AIDS patients diagnosed in Tianjin Second People′s Hospital from 2005 to 2017 were analyzed.The CD4+ T lymphocyte count and the frequency of CD4+ T lymphocyte count <200 cells/μL were analyzed according to age, transmission route and education level.The chi-square test was used for counting data. The rank sum test was used for the data that did not conform to normal distribution. Results The 3 062 patients were aged (38.2±11.9) years. There were 2 867 males (93.6%) aged (37.8±11.8) years, and 195 female patients (6.4%) aged (43.3±12.6) years.The CD4+ T lymphocyte counts of these patients presented an increasing trend from 2005 to 2017, with statistically significant differences among different years (Z=18.871, P<0.05). The frequency of CD4+ T lymphocytes<200 cells/μL showed a decreasing trend, with statistically significant difference in different years (χ2=7.017, P<0.05). The CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in patients of all age groups showed an increasing trend from 2005 to 2017, with statistically significant differences (Z=6.849, 9.532, 7.146, 6.874, 8.038, 11.249, and 10.059, respectively, all P<0.05). The CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in homosexual patients presented an increasing trend, with statistical significance in different years (Z=8.038, P<0.05). The CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in patients who received education more than 13 years (include 13 years) presented an increasing trend, with statistical significance (Z=4.573, P<0.05). Conclusions The median CD4+ T lymphocyte counts of AIDS patients receiving primary treatment in Tianjin city are increasing by years, while the proportion of severe immunosuppression is decreasing. Patients who are infected through homosexual transmission and those with high level of education seek medical care earlier. Key words: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; CD4-positive T-lymphocytes; Epidemic