Influence Of Adherence Levels To Antiretroviral Therapy On Immunological Indicators In Hiv-Infected Children
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, while insufficient adherence contributes to immunological failure, disease progression, and the development of severe complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different levels of adherence to ART on immunological indicators in HIV-infected children. The study included 695 children receiving ART. Immunological status was assessed using absolute CD4+ lymphocyte counts. High adherence (≥95%) was associated with more favorable immunological outcomes, including higher rates of normal CD4+ levels and lower prevalence of severe immunosuppression. In contrast, low adherence was significantly associated with decreased CD4+ counts and a higher frequency of severe immunodeficiency. The findings confirm the critical importance of sustained adherence to ART for effective immune recovery in children with HIV infection.