title: Impact of vitamin supplements on HAART related hematological abnormalities in HIV-infected patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most life- threatening human infections. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically changed the course of HIV infection and patients' quality of life. In addition to the benefits, HAART can have numerous side effects and toxicities. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of short-term vitamins treatment on hematological parameters of HIV infected patients receiving HAART.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 confirmed HIV positive patients who referred to Shiraz HIV/AIDS research center in southwest of Iran. The first-line of HAART regimen contained Zidovudine, Lamivudine, and Efavirenz. The studied population received vitamin B12 weekly and folic acid daily for at least one month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After receiving HAART for at least 6 months with adherence above 90%, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in MCV, MCH, HCT, TLC and RBC status compared to the baseline parameters. After one month of treatment, vitamins in four hematological parameters including TLC, MCV, RBC, and WBC showed significant differences compared to HAART parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined administration of B12 and folate supplements is a beneficial adjuster on hematologic status of HIV infected persons receiving HAART. However, future research with larger studied population and longer follow-up periods is required. Moreover, especial attention should be given to gender because the effect of vitamins was significantly different on some hematologic parameters between different genders.
authors.affiliation: MSc, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. esr7171@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Esmaeil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rezaei
authors.affiliation: PhD, Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Iran. seddigh.hadi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Hadi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie
authors.affiliation: PhD, Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Iran. h.heidari1368@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heidari
authors.affiliation: MSc, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. parichehr.ghane@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Parichehr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ghane
authors.affiliation: MSc, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran. m.rezaiee.gmail.com.
authors.forename: Khadijeh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rezaei
authors.affiliation: MSc, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. soltani1@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Jamal
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manochehri
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. moghadami@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moghadami
authors.affiliation: MD, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran. afsarkp@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Parvin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Afsar-Kazerooni
authors.affiliation: MD, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. hasanabadi@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Ali Reza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Hassan Abadi
authors.affiliation: Professor, Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center (SHARC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. motamedm@sums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Motamedifar
keywords: Folic acid; HAART; HIV; Hematology; Vitamin B12