title: Packed cell volume Platelet count, PT, PTTK and Fibrinogen concentration of HIV positive patients on antiretroviral drugs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This is aimed at investigating some coagulation and haematologic profile of HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients attending clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a correlation study comprising fifty (50) HIV positive patients on HAART between 6 - 12 months as test subjects and fifty (50) HIV positive patients who have not began HAART as control subjects. Five millilitres of blood was withdrawn from each group by venepuncture into ethylene diaminetetracetic and sodium citrate anticoagulant containers. Platelet counts were estimated manually using ammonium oxalate solution, packed cell volume by the microhaematocrit method while Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated partial thrombroplastin time and fibrinogen concentration were done by methods described by Monica Chessbrough.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This is presented as mean ± standard error of mean. There were reduction in PCV and platelet count between test and control subjects although not statistically significant (P> 0.05) while there was a significant increase in PT and PTTK between test and control groups (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in fibrinogen concentration in HIV patients on HAART and those not on HAART.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HAART increases PT and PTTK in HIV infection.
authors: Dr. Evarista Odaburhine Osime, PhD. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria.
authors: Evarista Odaburhine
authors: EO
authors: Osime
authors: Mr. Omobolaji Oluwole Oresanja, BMLS. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria.
authors: Omobolaji Oluwole
authors: OO
authors: Oresanja
authors: Dr. Benson Uchechukwu Okwara, FWACP. Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors: Benson Uchechukwu
authors: BU
authors: Okwara
keywords: AIDS; HAART; HIV; Haemostatic