Haemostatic, Haematological and Immunological Parameters of HIV-Positive Patients at Two Hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Haematology Unit, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, P. M. B. 1530, Kwara State, Nigeria
- 2. Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, P.M. B. 1530, Kwara State, Nigeria
- 3. Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Description
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with its attendant opportunistic infections and malignancies, is characterized by the presence of well-pronounced haemostatic, immunological and haematological abnormalities. AIM: This study investigated the haemostatic, immunological and haematological parameters of HIV-positive patients at two hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 54 subjects were recruited for the study, comprising 34 HIV-infected patients who were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 20 HIV-infected patients who were not receiving the treatment, at Sobi Specialist Hospital and Children Specialist Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, for a period of 3 months. CD4+ count was analyzed by flow cytometry using the CyFlow® SL and Partec CD4+ autoanalyzer; full blood count was determined using Flow Cytometry using the Sysmex XP-300™ Haematology Analyzer, while select coagulation variables were analyzed using coagulometry. RESULTS: The CD4+ count, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, packed cells volume, red blood cell count, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume were all significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in HIV-seropositive patients who were receiving HAART, relative to those who were not receiving HAART. Hence, HAART improved the basic haemostatic, immunological and hematological indices of the HIV-infected patients