Abstract:
Background: Hematological abnormalities are common in Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) infected individuals particularly, in pediatrics. Hence, this abnormality upsurges the risk
of morbidity and mortality among infected individuals. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia little is known
about the hematological profiles among HIV- positive pediatrics.
Objective: to determine the hematological abnormalities among HIV- positive pediatrics and
associated factors in Fitche General Hospital and Kuyyu Hospital, 2023.
Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling a total of 264
HIV- positive pediatrics in 2023, at Fitche General Hospital and Kuyyu Hospital. Data on socio
demographic characteristics of the study participants was collected using a structured pretested
questionnaire via face-to-face interview and their clinical conditions were obtained from their
follow-up medical records. Hematological parameters (Complete Blood Count) and
immunological parameters (CD4+ T cells) was analyzed by Sysmex XN-550 automated
hematology analyze and BD FACSPrestoTM machine (BD Biosciences, NJ, USA) respectively..
Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS v-25 statistical software. P-value < 0.05 was
taken as statistically significant.
Results: Of the 264 pediatric clients recruited in this study, female participants were 137 (51.9.).
The overall prevalence of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leucopenia were 24.6%, 13.3%, and
17% respectively. Of the 65 (24.6%) participants with anemia, 81.5 % (53/65) presented with
normocytic-normochromic anemia, 10.8% (7/65) with microcytic-hypochromic anemia, and
7.7% (5/65) with macrocytic-normochromic anemia. CD4+ T-cell counts, residence, marital
status of care giver, and family size were associated with anemia.
Conclusion and recommendation: Anemia was the commonest hematological abnormality in
HIV infected children. Normocytic normochromic anemia was the commonest type. Early
diagnosis and treatment of anemia is essential in these patients and longitudinal studies to be
carried out on serum iron and other tests to determine the actual etiology of anemia in HIV
infected.
