Hematological Profile of HIV Seropositive Patients at The University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) HIV Follow-Up Clinic

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS is still a major public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, its manifestations are mainly related to immunosuppression, but also studies have reported various hematological manifestations including cytopenias, mainly anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. The causes of those cytopenias and its associated factors in HIV patients are multifactorial. In the present study, we aim to know the prevalence of cytopenia in HIV patients and its associated factors during the era of widespread use of HAART Patients and methods: this is a 2-month (April to June 2021) cross-sectional study. Our participants were adults’ HIV patients (18 years and above). Interview and chart review were conducted on patients visiting the HIV follow-up clinic. Blood analysis done include full blood counts and serum iron levels Cytopenia were defined according to WHO standards parameters by gender. Correlation between cytopenia, serum iron and immunological status were made using the Chi-square test and a P value set at < 0.05 for statistical significance Results: Data were collected for 200 participants; the median age was 50 years (interquartile range 39-50). Anemia and leukopenia were common in our participants (23% and 22% respectively), whereas thrombocytopenia was only found in 6%. Fourteen percent (14%), of our participants had IDA. almost 98% have been on HAART, and 84% with viral suppression. Low CD4 count at diagnosis, low serum iron levels were associated with anemia (P<0.001). Both leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were also associated with a baseline CD4 count below 200 (P=0.015 and 0.048 respectively), and high viral load at diagnosis (>1000 copies/ml), P<0.001). The majority of our participants were HIV stage 1 and 2 (75%), and anemia was common in that category unlike other studies have demonstrated. Conclusion: Like others found, anemia is still the common cytopenia in HIV patients, low prevalence is noted in patients on HAART. IDA is among the cause of cytopenia in HIV patients which needs special attention and management in our population.