The impact of late presentation: analysis of a cohort of 313 Portuguese patients

of results Three hundred thirteen patients were included. Most were males (60%) with ages 20-40 years old. About 1/3 (30%) was non-Portuguese. Diagnosis was made by routine serology in 36% of individuals and, in 36%, after development of symptomatic infection. At the time of diagnosis, 42% (n=132) of patients were considered LP. The only risk factor associated with late diagnosis was male gender (p=0,020). Average TDC4 count at baseline was 132/μl for LP and 497/μl for NLP (p=0,0006). Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) was started in 100% LP vs 74% NLP (p<0,0001), with NNTRI being the most frequent regimen (non significant). Both groups showed an increase in TCD4 counts over time (average increase of 366/μl LP vs 121/μl NLP; p<0,0001). At present time, 87% LP have undetectable plasma HIV RNA vs 79% NLP (non significant) and average TCD4 counts are 495/ μl for LP vs 610/ μl for NLP (p=0,0006). LP had more hospital admissions (51% vs 22% in NLP; p<0,0001), most of which AIDS related (LP 52% vs 15% for NLP; p<0,0001. Most patients in both groups remained adherent to regular medical follow-up and there was no significant difference in the mortality rate.