The progression of untreated HIV-1 infection prior to AIDS

Using a case-control study of untreated men, we investigated the physical, mental, and economic effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection prior to the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Beginning 2 to 2.5 years prior to AIDS, case subjects reported more of 12 HIV-1 related symptoms and during the year prior to AIDS, at least 30.6 extra days of these symptoms than did control subjects. Within the 6 months preceding AIDS, case subjects' unemployment rose to 9% (P ≤ .05) and depression to 34.2% (P ≤ .001). At 6 to 12 months and within 6 months before AIDS, 17.1% and 31.5%, respectively, were anemic, while 37.7% and 64.7% had CD4⁺ counts less than 200 x 10⁶/L. Diagnosing AIDS at CD4⁺ counts less than 200 x 10⁶/L could significantly reduce pre-AIDS morbidity. Other implications of these findings are discussed.