Factors affecting hematological abnormality in HIV-infected patients at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar, Indonesia

Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is characterized by a progressive damage of immune system, resulting in a number of opportunistic infections and hematological abnormalities, and become more severe in late stages. Hematological abnormalities are common manifestations, with factors including CD4+ count, opportunistic infection, and HIV viral load. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between CD4+ count, opportunistic infection, and HIV viral load with hematological abnormality in HIV patients. Material and methods An observational study was conducted at tertiary institution, Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, from November 2021 to February 2022. Secondary data from medi­cal records of HIV-infected patients were used. Chi-square test and independent t-test were employed to determine the correlation between CD4+ count, opportunistic infection, and HIV viral load with hematological abnormality. Results Among 83 HIV subjects, anemia was present in 47% of the cases. Leucopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 10.8%, 28.9%, and 9.6%, respectively. Anemia and lymphopenia significantly correlated with CD4+ count (p 0.05), between anemia and lymphopenia with opportunistic infection and co-infection (p > 0.05), and between anemia, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia with viral load (p > 0.05). Conclusions Anemia and lymphopenia significantly correlated with CD4+ count. CD4+ count moni­toring is needed for early detection of hematological abnormalities in order to lower morbidity and increase quality of life.