What should be monitored regularly in patients on ART?

Monitoring CD4 count and viral load in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment and the patient's immune status. CD4 count indicates the number of CD4 T lymphocytes in the blood, which are critical for a functioning immune system. A high CD4 count is desirable as it shows that the immune system is responding well to ART.

Viral load, on the other hand, measures the amount of HIV in the blood. Monitoring viral load is crucial because a suppressed viral load indicates that the ART is effective in controlling the virus. An undetectable viral load significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission and the progression of HIV disease.

Regularly tracking these two parameters enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding the patient's treatment plan, including any necessary adjustments to medications. It also helps to identify potential treatment failures or complications early, allowing for timely interventions.

Other types of monitoring, such as complete blood count or liver function tests, are certainly important aspects of managing overall health in patients receiving ART but do not directly assess the effectiveness of HIV treatment in the same way that CD4 count and viral load do. Similarly, monitoring for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or genetic markers is not specifically tied to