HCV coinfection aggravated the decrease of platelet counts, but not mean platelet volume in chronic HIV-infected...

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) can be abnormal in HIV or HCV monoinfection.
• Changes in platelet count and MPV in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the changes in platelet count and MPV in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.
• To compare platelet status between HIV/HCV coinfection, HIV monoinfection, and HCV monoinfection.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 318 former plasma donors was studied in 2006, with 66% (201 individuals) followed up in 2014.
• Horizontal comparison of platelet counts and MPV in 2006.
• Longitudinal comparison of platelet counts and MPV between 2006 and 2014.

Main Results:

• In 2006, HIV/HCV coinfection showed a greater decrease in platelet count compared to HIV or HCV monoinfection.
• MPV was lower in HIV monoinfection but not different in HIV/HCV coinfection versus controls.
• Platelet counts negatively correlated with MPV scores (r = 0.432, P < 0.001).
• Between 2006 and 2014, only HCV monoinfected patients showed a significant decrease in platelets (P = 0.004) and increase in MPV (P = 0.004).
• No significant changes in platelet count or MPV were observed in coinfected patients over time.

Conclusions:

• HCV coinfection exacerbates the reduction in platelet count in chronic HIV infection.
• MPV is not a reliable indicator for assessing platelet status in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals.
• The findings suggest potential links between HCV and hepatic fibrosis progression affecting platelet dynamics.