Haematological characteristics of HIV positive patients seen at Muhimbili National Hospital and their relation to the clinical stage: A Cross-sectional analytical study carried out at Muhimbili National Hospital

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.