Transfusion in HIV disease.
Cytopenias often accompany infection with HIV. The pathophysiology responsible for the anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia in AIDS is complex and incompletely understood. Although HIV-infected patients with advanced disease were once routinely transfused for anemia accompanying zidovudine therapy, this practice has decreased as a result of decreased doses of zidovudine now being used and the more frequent use of HIV protease inhibitors. A more thorough understanding of the adverse effects of transfusion and the potential of immune modulation and facilitation of viral replication has no doubt led physicians to consider more thoroughly other factors before transfusing their patient. The results of trials examining the effect of leukodepletion on transfusion-related immune modulation are eagerly awaited. The availability of hematopoietic growth factors has also led to more effective treatment of the cytopenias without significant complications.
Sloand
E M
EM
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-2490, USA.
Groopman
J E
JE
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001855:Bone Marrow Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction