BACKGROUND HIV infection is a multisystem disease and haematological abnormalities are among the most common complications of HIV. HIV associated haematological abnormalities seem to be dependent on the level of virus replication, as these abnormalities are severe in late stage AIDS patients with high viremia. 1,2 These abnormalities reflect the underlying immune status and may be prevented or corrected by use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Haematological abnormalities such as impaired haematopoiesis, immune and non-immune mediated cytopenias, and altered coagulation have been described in patients with HIV infection/AIDS. We wanted to evaluate the various haematological parameters in HIV patients and their association with CD4 counts. METHODS One hundred HIV positive patients, symptomatic as well as asymptomatic, diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method according to the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) guidelines were included. Complete haematological profile was recorded. Relationship between CD4 counts and various haematological parameters were analysed. Association between two attributes was calculated and p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The most common haematological abnormality was anaemia, seen in 93% (n=93) of patients. Normocytic normochromic anaemia was seen in 42% of patients, which was the most common type followed by normocytic hypochromic in 25 (25%) cases. A strong association between anaemia and CD4 counts was observed. Other haematological parameters also showed corresponding low values with decreasing CD4 counts. CONCLUSIONS HIV affects virtually all organ systems, with well-known abnormalities related to hematopoietic system. Anaemia being the most common abnormality has strong correlation with CD4 counts and therefore could be used to predict the development of a more advanced disease.

BACKGROUND HIV infection is a multisystem disease and haematological abnormalities are among the most common complications of HIV. haematological manifestations are common throughout the course of HIV infection and may be due to direct effects of HIV, manifestations of secondary infections and neoplasm, or side effects of therapy. haematological abnormalities such as impaired haematopoiesis, immune and non-immune mediated cytopenias and altered coagulation have been described in patients with HIV infection/AIDS. The aim of the study was to evaluate the various haematological parameters in HIV patients. METHODS Blood was collected in a sterile EDTA containing tube and processed as per our established laboratory protocol under universal precaution as per the guidelines of National Aids Control Organization (NACO, India). Complete blood counting including Hb%, PCV, red cell indices, platelet count and total white cell count and differential count were done by automated blood cell counter analyser. All cell count indices including WBC count with differential and platelet count, was further confirmed by manual oil immersion smear study method. Detailed peripheral blood examination was carried out after staining the blood film by Romanowsky stains (Leishman/May Grunwald Giemsa stain). RESULTS The most common haematologic abnormality was anaemia, seen in 93% (n=93) of patients among the total of 100 cases. Other haematological abnormalities detected were leucopenia in 2% of cases, neutropenia in 3% of cases, lymphocytopenia in 18% of cases and thrombocytopenia in 9% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Anaemia (Hb%) was the most commonly seen haematological parameter in our study. So, frequency of affected parameter in HIV infected was anaemia >lymphocytopenia >thrombocytopenia >neutropenia >leucopenia.

BACKGROUNDHIV infection is a multisystem disease and haematological abnormalities are among the most common complications of HIV. HIV associated haematological abnormalities seem to be dependent on the level of virus replication, as these abnormalities are severe in late stage AIDS patients with high viremia. These abnormalities reflect the underlying immune status and may be prevented or corrected by use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODSOne hundred HIV positive patients, symptomatic as well asymptomatic, diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method according to the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) guidelines were included. Complete haematological profile was recorded. The haematological parameters of each patient were evaluated at 0-, 6-and 12-months following initiation of HAART. RESULTSOut of 100 patients included in this study, 58% (58) were males and 42% (42) were females with the sex ratio of 1.38:1. The haematological profiles were presented as mean ± standard deviation. A p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant improvement in CD4 cells, haemoglobin, red cell count and haematocrit and platelet counts after 6 months and 12 months of therapy. Improvement in total count, absolute neutrophil count and absolute lymphocyte count was observed after 12 months of HAART. CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that there was improvement in all parameters in these patients and also in the stage of disease when they were followed for one year. So, regular follow up and compliance of patient is of utmost importance in checking the progress of disease as well as ensuring better quality of life. It can be concluded that in people living with HIV/AIDS, HAART is useful for modifying the mortality and morbidity.