D.K. Singh

Anemia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children and its relation to disease stages

Background: Anemia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children is associated with more rapid disease progression and a poorer prognosis if not treated appropriately. Objective: This study aimed at determining the severity of anemia among HIV-infected children and its relation with the World Health Organization (WHO) clinical and immunological HIV infection staging among HIV-infected children. Materials and Methods: The children who were HIV positive (confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HIV-1 and HIV-2), and attending the outpatient department of ART Centre and SN Children Hospital, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, during period of 1 year. The study population consisted of 47 patients, belonged to both sexes and age of 18 months to 18 years. Written and informed consent was taken from parents/guardian. Detailed history was taken and full clinical examination was done in all cases. Blood sample for complete blood count and CD4 was collected. Result: Of 47 studied children, anemia (Hb < 11.5 g/dL) was present in 39 (82.98%) cases. Mild anemia was present in 25 (53.19%). Severe anemia was only found in the WHO clinical and immunological stages 3 and 4. Conclusion: Most of the HIV-infected children usually present with mild anemia. Mild and moderate anemia had no correlation with disease stages but severe anemia was present mostly in stages 3 and 4.