HIV and haematology

Question 1

Describe the haematological abnormalities that occurs in the setting of HIV.

Answer 1

1. Decrease in CD4 count
2. Cytopenias- these are extremely common in HIV
3. Miliary Tuberculosis- detected on a trephine biospy
4. HIV-related Malignancies, in particular Lymphoma

Question 2

Describe Thrombocytopenia in HIV disease

Answer 2

Common at all stages of HIV
Often a presenting feature, may occur when the CD4 count is greater than 400

May be due to a various of causes, but others include
1. Ineffective Megakaryopoiesis due to direct infection of megakaryocytes by HIV
2. Marrow Impairment
and more

Question 3

Describe Netropenia in HIV disease

Answer 3

caused by
anti-neutrophil antibodies
defective neutophil function
marrow suppression
…and more

Question 4

HIV & LYMPHOMA

Describe the Lymphomas associated with HIV infection

Answer 4

Commn Lymphomas in HIV
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Burkitt’s Lymphoma
Primary Effusion Lymphomas
Hodgkin Mphoma (8X more common in HIV)
EBV
Kaposi Sarcoma
Plasmablastic Lymphoma of Oral Cavity

Question 5

Describe cougulation disturbances in HIV

Answer 5

Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) has been described in patients infected with HIV. This circulating anticoagulant is an IgG/IgM immunoglobulin, which inhibits in vitro activity of the prothrombin activator complex, thus prolonging the PTT.

In HIV, there’s decreased levels of functional protein S

Question 6

What is the relationship between DVT and HIV

Answer 6

DVT chances is increased 10-fold un HIV infected patients