Assessment of haematological parameters in HIV patients attending Kabutare district Hospital

Background: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is characterized by progressive weakening of the immune system attributed to the decrease in the number of circulating CD4+ T-helper cells. This predisposes HIV patients to a variety of opportunistic infections and neoplastic disorders. also lead to defective hematopoiesis and a decrease in cell lineage. Haematological parameters including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelet and hemoglobin are widely used clinical indicators of health and disease. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess haematological parameters in HIV patients attending Kabutare District hospital. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess haematological parameters in HIV patients attending Kabutare District hospital. Venous blood sample were collected for complete blood count which was determined using sysmex 500i machine automation analyser. Results: A total of 80 HIV infected patient participated. 7.5% of the study participants were proven to have white blood cells below the normal range as it was below 4.26.25% of patients were found below the normal range of red blood cells. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of 35% patients were found to below their normal ranges. 10% of patient were found to have low platelet and 23.5% were found to have low levels of lymphocytes. Association between CD4 counts and hemoglobin levels was significant with p value of 0.000 as it is less than confidence level of 0.05. Conclusion: This study concluded that haematological parameters are affected by HIV infection and there is association between CD4 counts and hemoglobin concentration levels. I would recommend health practioners to also consider complete blood count as prognostic test of HIV as it is clinical health indicator and diseases. Keywords: Haematological parameters, Human Immunodeficiency virus, CD4 counts, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.