Early treatment helps beat HIV

Beginning treatment for HIV as soon as possible can help to reduce the risk of death caused by the disease, a study has found.

The new findings from the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) suggest that early treatment could cut the chances of death by between 69 and 94 per cent.

Generally, it is acknowledged that the earlier diseases are treated the better, but this has not always been the case with HIV.

Dr Marina Klein of MUHC commented: "The official guidelines recommend starting anti-HIV treatment when the patient's CD4+ cell count is less than 350 cells per millilitre.

"This recommendation was formulated from data based on older medications that produced more side effects than current treatments. Current therapies cause fewer side effects, are better tolerated and more effective so we can safely start treating patients earlier."

AIDS-related diseases, such as liver disease and cardiovascular disease could also be less likely with earlier treatment.

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