Haematological changes in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Part II

This second part of the review looks at change seen in the bone marrow haemostasis and malignancies found in HIV infection. Examination of bone marrow is requested in the presence of cytopaenias, splenomegaly, lymphomas and myelodysplasia. The findings include marrow hypocellularity, myelodysplasia and poor marrow recovery. Dysmegakaryocytpoiesis is found in 88% while dyserythropoeisis in 83% of cases. Mechanisms leading to these pertubations include direct HIV effect on marrow progenitor cells, effect of drugs and other infective diseases. Altered levels and functions of growth modifies IL6 and G-CSF are also to contribute. Haemostatic disorder frequently noted is bleeding due to thrombocytopaenia. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with aggressive characteristics and Kaposi's sarcoma are the commonly associated malignancies. Currently IL6 is being linked with the causation of KS and NHL. While standard approaches to the management of these malignancies tend to be the practices, adjustments are usually necessary in most patients.