title: Haematological features in children less than 12 years on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis seen in opportunistic infection clinics at Harare and Parirenyatwa Teaching Hospitals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of peripheral haematological abnormalities in children receiving cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
  
  
  METHODS
  An outpatient hospital based cross sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted at two tertiary peadiatric HIV clinics that offer comprehensive care to children living with HIV.
  
  
  METHODS
  202 HIV infected, antiretroviral therapy naive children aged between 3 months and 12 years who were receiving cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for at least 1 month with more than95% adherence to prophylaxis were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Haematological abnormalities on full blood count and peripheral film.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of anaemia was 62% with normocytic normochromic anaemia being the most frequent type (45%). The commonest red blood cell abnormality was rouleaux formation on the peripheral film. Monocytosis occurred in 62%, leucopaenia in 39%, eosinophilia in 34%, neutropaenia in 18% and lymphopaenia in 10% of the children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed a high prevalence ofhaematological abnormalities in HIV infected children on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. It emphasizes the need for evaluation for anaemia and its management in children on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box A1 78, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. patiencemateveke@yahoo.com
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Mateveke-Kuona
authors: M F
authors: MF
authors: Bwakura
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Dzangare
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Pazvakavambwa
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination