Unexpected CD4 decay and hidden adherence gaps

Dataset of hidden non adherent patients related to paper "Unexpected CD4 decay, hidden adherence gaps, resilience and the need for long-acting therapy in a single HIV outpatients’ cohort"
This study examines hidden non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in a setting of persistent optimal viral suppression but concordant absolute and percent CD4 decay by >10% from the previous test. Investigated, 25% admitted very long treatment interruptions, compensated by treatment resumption before the subsequent testing. Of 668 HIV-infected subjects, 61 fulfilled the pre-specified criteria for significant CD4 decay and 15 (2.25%) admitted treatment interruptions. Eleven treatment interruptions exceeded 28 days, and none was shorter than 15 days. CD4 recovery was worse at 6 months in non-adherent subjects (-0.5 vs + 16/mmc, p<0.0001) and in non adherence vs immune decay time-related with COVID-19 (0 vs + 22/mmc, p<0.0001). Reasons for interrupting treatment were travel, psychological, poverty-related, addiction and love problems. Long-acting regimens, with stringent control of precision in timely administration, may protect PLWH from damaging their health status and possibly transmit HIV.