CD4 and chronic kidney disease: On the other hand, the CD4 count has also been associated with the progression to ESRD or a GFR < 15 mL/min, with a relative risk of 1.7 per 100 cells/μL decrease and 1.4 to 2.7-fold increased risk for patients with CD4 < 200 vs. > 201 cells/μL.16 Another study documented a decreased CKD risk in association with CD4 cell restoration and plasma viral load suppression during treatment with HAART.23