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Increased platelets count in HIV-1 uninfected infants born from HIV-1 infected mothers
Anicet Christel Maloupazoa Siawaya1, Amandine Mveang-Nzoghe1, Chérone Nancy Mbani Mpega2
1Unités de Recherche et de Diagnostics Spécialisés, Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Libreville, Gabon.
Insights
HIV-exposed uninfected infants (HEU) often show higher platelet counts. This finding suggests thrombocytosis may characterize HEU infants, impacting their health and vulnerability to infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- HIV-exposed uninfected infants (HEU) are a growing population globally.
- HEU infants exhibit increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
- Understanding HEU infants' hematological profiles is crucial for their health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of HIV exposure and antiretroviral therapy on infant blood elements.
- To assess the complete blood count (CBC) of HEU infants.
- To identify prevalent hematological abnormalities in HEU infants.
Main Methods:
- Complete blood count analysis was performed on HEU infants using a blood analyzer.
- Hematological parameters were compared between HEU infants and HIV-unexposed infants (HU).
- Statistical analysis was used to determine significant differences in blood elements.
Main Results:
- Thrombocytosis (elevated platelet count) was the most common clinically relevant hematological abnormality in HEU infants.
- HEU infants demonstrated significantly higher platelet counts compared to HU infants.
- Elevated platelet levels appear to be a characteristic hematological feature of HEU infants.
Conclusions:
- HIV exposure, independent of maternal antiretroviral therapy, is associated with thrombocytosis in infants.
- Higher platelet counts in HEU infants may contribute to their increased vulnerability to infections.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical implications of thrombocytosis in HEU infants.
Abstract:
HIV-exposed uninfected infants (HEU) represent a growing population in developing countries including Gabon. Several studies have shown the vulnerability of these infants toward infectious diseases. The aim of the study was to contribute to the global effort to understand how HIVexposure or anti retroviral therapy affects infants' blood elements. We assessed HEU infants' complete blood count using a blood analyzer instrument. Our investigations showed that among the observed clinically relevant hematological abnormalities events, thrombocytosis was the most prevalent clinically relevant hematological abnormality associated with HEU infants'. We showed that HEU infants had significantly higher platelets count than HUinfants. Therefore, higher level of platelets seems to characterize HEU infants when compared to HU infants.
