Hematological manifestation in HIV infected children

Arijit Bhowmik1, Prabhabati Banerjee1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Regional Pediatric ART Centre, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Insights

Anemia is the most frequent hematological issue in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Both anemia and lymphopenia correlate significantly with advanced HIV disease stages.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can lead to various hematological abnormalities in children.
  • Understanding these abnormalities is crucial for assessing disease severity and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify common hematological abnormalities in HIV-infected children.
  • To investigate the association between these abnormalities and HIV disease severity.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Regional Pediatric ART center in India.
  • Complete hemogram, CD4 counts, and clinical staging (WHO) were assessed in children up to 12 years.
  • Statistical analysis, including Fisher's Exact Test, was used to determine associations.

Main Results:

  • Anemia was prevalent in 69% of children, increasing with disease stage (p=0.001).
  • Leucopenia (34%), neutropenia (19%), and lymphopenia (22%) were observed.
  • Lymphopenia showed a significant association with advanced HIV stages (p=0.020).
  • Eosinophilia (17%) and thrombocytopenia (11%) were also noted.

Conclusions:

  • Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality in pediatric HIV infection.
  • Anemia and lymphopenia are significantly associated with the stage of HIV disease, indicating disease progression.
Abstract

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