Some hematological and hemorheological changes in HIV-infected pregnant women on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: The overwhelming impact the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has on the world is undeniable. With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV/AIDS has changed from a killer disease to a treatable chronic infection. However, HAART may be associated with some blood changes. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of HAART on some haematological and haemorrheological indices in HIV infected pregnant women at different trimesters. Methods: This study was carried out at the ante-natal clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from April 2013 to February, 2014. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics and research committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Fifty (50) HIV-seropositive pregnant women on HAART and 50 HIV-seropositive pregnant women not on HAART as controls were recruited. The mean age of these women was 29 years. Blood was sampled from both test and control subjects for whole blood viscosity (WBV) by Reid and Ugwu method, platelet, while blood cell count, haemoglobin estimation and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were done by methods described by Dacie and Lewis. Results: In the first trimester there were no significant changes in Hb, WBC and WBV ( P > 0.05) between test and control subjects, while in the second trimester there was a significant decrease in platelet counts ( P > 0.05). In the third trimester of gestation WBC also increased significantly ( P Conclusion: Haematological and haemorheological activity differs in pregnancy and the introduction of HAART further predisposes these women to bleeding episodes.