title: HIV Infection and thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of HIV infection. The low platelet count can be caused by multiple mechanisms including immune-mediated destruction, decreased platelet production, effects of drugs on progenitors, or by the development of a form of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Bleeding problems associated with the thrombocytopenia can be accentuated by the presence of platelet dysfunction produced by drugs used to treat HIV/AIDs or its complications. Therapy should be directed at reducing the load of the HIV virus of the patient supplemented by other therapies chosen depending on the specific underlying cause.
authors.forename: Bruce L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Evatt
mesh_terms: D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications; D010976:Platelet Count; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology*