Abstract:
Abstract
Background
HIV infection is associated with a wide range of
haematological abnormalities.
Methods and Objectives
The objectives in this study were to study haematological
changes in HIV patients and to correlate them with CD4 cell
counts. Two hundred and fifty HIV positive patients referred
to the haematology laboratory section for complete
haemogram in whom CD4 count was done were included in
the study. Haematologic parameters and CD4 counts were
studied in each of these patients.
Descriptive statistics were applied. Association between two
attributes was calculated by chi-square test and p value less
than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Among 250 patients, anaemia was seen in 210 (84%) cases.
The most common type was normocytic normochromic
(40.4%). Lymphopenia was seen in 163 (65.2%) cases and
thrombocytopenia in 45 (18%) cases. The majority of cases
3
(70%) had CD4 cell counts below 200 cells/mm . Fifty-four
cases (21.6%) had CD4 counts between 200 to 499
3
cells/mm and 21 (8.4%) cases had CD4 counts more than
3.
500 cells/ mm
3
In patients with CD4 counts less than 200 cells/mm ,
anaemia was seen in 91.4% cases, leucopenia in 26.8%
cases, lymphopenia in 80% cases and thrombocytopenia in
21.7% cases.
Conclusion
Haematologic manifestations of HIV infection are common
and more frequent with progression of disease. The present
study revealed a significant increase in the number of cases
of anaemia, and lymphopenia, with decreasing CD4 cell
counts. Thrombocytopenia is also seen but does not show
significant increase with disease progression. The study also
highlights the importance of simultaneously treating HIV
patients for haematologic manifestations to reduce
morbidity.
