The hematologic profile of Filipino HIV-infected individuals and its association with CD4 counts

Introduction: Hematologic abnormalities are common in HIV and involve all blood cell lineages. A study on cytopenias, as correlated with disease progression, can be valuable in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the hematologic profile of HIV patients and its association with CD4 count and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study involving adult Filipino HIV patients with complete blood count (CBC) and CD4 count determinations prior to the initiation of ARV treatment and after >= 6 months of ARV treatment. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between cytopenias and a CD4 count <200 cells/mu L. Results: The study included 302 patients. Anemia was the most common cytopenia. Anemia and leukopenia were associated with an increased likelihood of having a CD4 count <200 cells/mu L in ARV-naive patients. In ARV-treated patients, leukopenia was associated with an increased probability of having a CD4 count <200 cells/mu L. An increase in hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts was observed after >= 6 months of ARV treatment. Conclusion: Anemia and leukopenia can be used as markers of immune status in HIV-infected individuals and improvement in the CBC parameters can be used to assess response to ARV treatment. Routine monitoring of hematologic parameters is recommended. (C) 2020 Associacao Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.