High incidence of zidovudine induced anaemia in HIV infected patients in eastern India

Background & objectives: Zidovudine (ZDV) is the preferred nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor in the first line antiretroviral regimen in India. It is known to be associated with life threatening toxicity like anaemia. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of ZDV induced anaemia in HIV infected patients initiated on ZDV containing antiretroviral therapy regimen and also to find out the correlates, if any, for causing ZDV induced anaemia. Methods: This retrospective study was carried in ART Centre, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi between March 2005 to December 2007. HIV infected patients registered at ART Centre were treated according to guidelines of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Patients (n=1256) with haemoglobin (Hb) >8 g/dl were prescribed ZDV based antiretroviral therapy regimens. Patients developing anaemia (<8 g/dl) with other causes of anaemia excluded were recorded. Correlation of baseline characteristics (age, gender, haemoglobin levels, weight, CD4 counts and WHO clinical stage) with risk of developing anaemia was also calculated. Results: Two hundred three (16.2%) patients on ZDV regimen developed anaemia (<8 g%); 7.9 per cent (n=100) of these developed severe anaemia (<6.5 g%). Females were more prone to develop anaemia (P=0.026). Age, weight, WHO clinical stage and CD4 counts had no relation to development of anaemia. Interpretation & conclusion: High incidence of ZDV induced anaemia seen in this study indicates regular monitoring of patients, particularly women on ZDV based antiretroviral regimens