Anaemia in human immunodeficiency virus infection: a review.

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with myriads of haematological abnormalities and complications, including anaemia. This review aims at presenting the epidemiologic evidence of HIV associated anaemia, and also examine its effects on patients' survival and the need for specific diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

A review of relevant literature on the subject was sourced manually and by PUBMED internet search. The following keywords were used for internet search: anaemia, chronic disease, highly active antiretroviral therapy human immunodeficiency virus, haematological abnormalities, and AIDS.

RESULTS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with numerous abnormalities of red blood cells production and lifespan. One of these consequences is anaemia. The prevalence of these estimates varies widely from one population to another; however, anaemia was consistently shown to be a predictor for increased disease progression and decreased survival of patient infected by HIV.

CONCLUSION

Regular evaluation of patients infected by HIV is necessary, to determine the specific causes of anaemia in order to ensure the institution of appropriate intervention.