Abstract:
Background
HIV infection in addition to having significant immunologic, infectious
and neoplastic manifestations, has been reported to be associated with a
number of haematological complications which result in significant
clinical sequelae. The extent of haematological abnormalities in HN
infected patients in Tanzania had not been established.
Methods
In order to determine the haematological characteristics of HN positive
patients a cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. 196 patients
admitted to the medical wards of Muhimbili National Hospital were
...
recruited into the study between 15th of No~ember 2001 to 28th
December 2001. The total red and white blood cell counts, red blood cell
indices, platelets and ESR were determined in each patient. HN
serostatus was determined in 183 patients. Bone marrow aspiration and
examination was carried out in some patients. The differences in
haematological characteristics were compared by HN serostatus, and in
those who were HN positive, by CDC clinical stage. Statistical analysis
was carried out using appropriate statistical methods and packages.
