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Hematological profile of human immunodeficiency virus-infected children

Background: Hematological disorder has been shown to be one of the leading manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This could be from the virus itself or the accompanying opportunistic infections including malignancies. The manifestations include among others, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia as well as assessing the relationship between antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen and anemia. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective study among HIV-infected children and adolescents aged 2 years to <18 years receiving ART at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia Nasarawa State. A total of 263 clients were recruited consecutively. Known sickle-cell disease patients, those with ongoing sepsis and or those recently transfused were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 through a univariate and multivariate analysis, and reporting was done in tables and figure. Results: There are slightly more males than females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.02:1. Children aged between 2 and 9 years accounted for over two-third of the study population. The prevalence of anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia was 32.7%, 11.4%, and 3.04%, respectively. More than two-third of the participants was on zidovudine-based regimen, and there is a statistically significant association between anemia and the use of zidovudine-based ART regimen. Conclusion: Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality among HIV-infected children and adolescents. There is an association between the use of zidovudine and occurrence of anemia. The use of alternative drug to zidovudine is advocated.