Relation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate, clinical and immune status in HIV-infected patients.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and immunologic implications of an elevated ESR in HIV-infected patients.


METHODS
One hundred and four consecutive HAART naïve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adult patients and fifty one controls were studied. Detailed history was taken and full physical examination was conducted. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CD4+ T lymphocyte count, and complete blood count were performed.


RESULTS
The mean (+/- SD) of ESR in the patients was 84.5 +/- 36.8 mm/1st one hour and that for the controls was 20.4 +/- 17.6 mm/1st one hour. The patients' ESR was significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference between the mean ESR of symptomatic (87.6 +/- 37.0 mm/1st hr) and asymptomatic patients (61.0 +/- 26.1 mm/1st hr) (p = 0.018), and between asymptomatic patients (mean +/- SD = 61 +/- 26.1 mm/1st one hour) and controls (mean +/- SD = 20.4 +/- 17.6 mm/1st one hour) (p = 0.000).The mean (+/- SD) CD4+ lymphocytes count of the patients and controls were 155.4 +/- 90.6 cells/microL, and 655.7 +/- 17.6 cells/microL, respectively. The CD4+ cells count was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
ESR may be useful in monitoring HIV/AIDS disease.
Ndakotsu
M A
MA
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. mndakotsu@yahoo.com
Salawu
L
L
Durosinmi
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult