Hematological Study (Blood & Bone Marrow) in HIV Patients

Hematologic abnormalities are common in persons with HIV infection. Impaired haematopoiesis, immune mediated cytopenias and altered coagulation mechanisms have all been described in HIV infected individuals. These hematologic abnormalities may occur as a result of HIV infection itself, as sequelae of HIV related infections or malignancies or as a consequence of therapies used for HIV infections and associated conditions.

To study hematological changes in different groups during evolution of disease.

Correlate hematological findings with categories of HIV based on CD4+ count.

This study was conducted on 50 HIV positive cases. History was taken in detail including profession. Complete clinical examination done. ELISA testing for HIV antibody and hematological study (Blood and Bone marrow) were performed in all the cases for the diagnosis.

The most common hematological change in our study was anemia seen in 70.49% of cases. Other haematological abnormalities included lymphopenia (45.90%), neutrophilia (27.87%), and thrombocytopenia (16.39%) in the blood. Bone marrow aspiration was carried out in all cases to assess the cause of cytopenia. The myelodysplasia was very frequent finding seen in 67.21% cases in bone marrow examination. There was plasmacytosis in 27.87% cases. Hematological malignancy (AML M2) was seen in one case.

CD4+ counts along with hematological and bone marrow manifestations could be a good clinical indicator to assess the immune status and for the identification and the treatment of reversible factors.