There is limited knowledge regarding markers predictive of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression in women. A retrospective cohort design study to analyze influences associated with and markers predictive of 1987 defined acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and death in HIV infected women was performed. The cohort, consisting of 224 women evaluated through two outpatient programs in New Orleans between January 1987 and December 1991, was followed for a median time of 24 months The cumulative risk of 1987 defined AIDS and death for the entire cohort at two years was 10% and 14% respectively. Clinical and laboratory manifestations which were more frequent in women with a CD4 cell count $$39 years (RR 4.5, 95% CI 1.7, 11.9), CD4 cell count $<$200/mm$\sp3$ (RR 9.5 95% CI 2.8, 32.0), oral candidiasis (RR 3.7 95% CI 1.2, 11.0), and serum albumin $<$3.3 gm/dl (RR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3, 12.6). Variables previously determined to be associated with HIV disease progression in men are also significantly predictive in women
