Packed cell volume Platelet count, PT, PTTK and Fibrinogen concentration of HIV positive patients on antiretroviral drugs.

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 Five millilitres of blood was withdrawn from each group by venepuncture into ethylene diaminetetracetic and sodium citrate anticoagulant containers.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.

CONCLUSION: HAART increases PT and PTTK in HIV infection.