Abstract:
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) are a major global health problem and Sub-Saharan Africa is the
world's most severely affected region. Prophylaxis against opportunistic infections and
drug treatment directed to the virus has been associated with a decline in morbidity,
mortality and improvement in the quality of life. However, use of these interventions is
associated with side effects and toxicity. For example, anaemia is one of the important
side effects of zidovudine. Co-trirnoxazole prophylaxis is given to all patients with high
risk of opportunistic infections, yet co-trimoxazole can cause anaemia. When eo-
trimoxazole is given together with zidovudine the likelihood of getting anaemia is
higher.
In Tanzania, the new National Guidelines for the Management of HIV and AIDS (2008
3rd Edition). recommends zidovudine (AZT)-containing Highly Active Antiretroviral
Therapy (HAART) as default first line regimen and co-trimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis
when T-lymphocyte cell count CD4 < 350 Cells/uL. Both drugs have possible side
effects that include blood abnormalities which end up with neutropenia and anaemia.
HIV Patients receiving both co-trimoxazole and zidovudine for long time are at risk of
developing anaemia.
Objective: To determine the effect of zidovudine-containing HAART regimen ill
combination with co-trimoxazole prophylaxis on haemoglobin concentration.
Methodology: This was retrospective, observational study conducted at Mwananyamala
care and treatment center (CTC) located in Kinondoni Municipality.
Study populations: The study involved 407 Patients files of HIV -infected patients who
were attending HIV CTC. The study had three arms:-
Those who were receiving none zidovudine-containing HAART regimen plus
co-trimoxazole for prophylaxis
Those who were receiving zidovudine-containing HAART regimen alone
