Abstract
BackgroundAnaemia is a common complication of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may have various causes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and related factors of anemia in HAART-naive HIV positive Patients.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on HAART naive HIV positive patients at the Gondar University Hospital between September 2011 and August 2012. Socio-demographic and immunohematological (hemoglobin and CD4+ T cells) data were collected carefully from the existing ART logbook and patient follow up cards. Anaemia was defined according to the WHO criteria.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anaemia was 138 (35%). Female HAART naive HIV positive patients had significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalence of anaemia than males (62% Vs 38%). The prevalence of anaemia at different CD4 level was; 6 (4%) with CD4 count greater than 500 cells/μL, 18 (13%) with a CD4 count of 350–500 cells/μL, 37 (27%) with a CD4 count of 200–349 cells/μL, 44 (32%) with a CD4 count of 100–199 cells/μL, 14 (10%) with a CD4 count of 50–99 and 19 (14%) with CD4 count of less than 50 cells/μL.ConclusionsOur findings showed that one-third of HAART naïve HIV positive patients were anaemic and the increase in prevalence of anaemia with decreased CD4 cell count was statistically significant. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of anaemia in these patients are essential.
Highlights
Anaemia is a common complication of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may have various causes
In established HIV infection, lower haemoglobin levels have been shown to correlate with decreasing CD4+ cell counts [5] and many studies have found an association between anaemia during established infection and a faster progression to AIDS and death [6,7]
We found that 6 (4%) with CD4 count greater than 500 cells/ μL, 18 (13%) with a CD4 count of 350–500 cells/μL, 37 (27%) with a CD4 count of 200–349 cells/μL, 44 (32%) with a CD4 count of 100–199 cells/μL, 14 (10%) with a CD4 count of 50–99 and 19 (14%), with CD4 count of less than 50 cells/μL (Table 5)
Summary
Anaemia is a common complication of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may have various causes. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is frequently associated with hematologic abnormalities such as anaemia This association may have many causes [1,2]. A systematic review of these abnormalities has shown that the prevalence of anaemia in HIV positive patients ranges from 20-80% and is associated with faster disease progression and mortality [3]. This makes it more common than thrombocytopenia or leucopenia in patients with AIDS [4]. Interventions to prevent anaemia may lead to improved health and survival potential of HIV-infected persons [8]
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