A cross-sectional study of anemia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in iran.
BACKGROUND
Anemia is a frequent complication of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The causes of HIV-related anemia are multifactorial. This study was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with anemia in HIV-infected patients.


METHODS
A total of 642 patients with HIV/AIDS attending the HIV Clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran enrolled in this study. A detailed history and physical examination was done for all the patients. Investigations included CD4+ count, hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cells morphology.


RESULTS
Among HIV-infected patients, 87% were males. The mean duration of antiretroviral therapy was 17.9+/-9.2 months. The mean (+/-SD) hemoglobin level was 12.9+/-2.31 mg/dL. Evaluation of red blood cell morphology showed macrocytosis in 11%, normocytosis plus normochromia in 41.1%, and microcytosis plus hypochromia in 47.9% of the patients. The prevalence of anemia (defined as hemoglobin<10 mg/dL) was 10.3%. Anemia was positively associated with female sex (OR=3.01), CD4 level (CD4 count of <200) (OR=3.49), and antituberculous drug administration (OR=4.57).


CONCLUSIONS
Female sex, stage of HIV infection, and antituberculous drug use were the most important factors associated with anemia in HIV-infected patients in our study.
Jam
Sara
S
Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS (IRCHA), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ramezani
Amitis
A
Sabzvari
Duman
D
Moradmand-Badie
Banafsheh
B
Seyedalinaghi
Seyedahmad
S
Jabbari
Hossain
H
Fattahi
Fatemeh
F
Mohraz
Minoo
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; D000995:Antitubercular Agents