Correlation of hematological and biochemical parameters to severity of disease in acquired immuno deficiency syndrome.

Background: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome is a recognized emerging disease and rapidly established itself throughout the world. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities are common findings in patients with HIV infection. These includes anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, altered liver function tests and renal function tests.Objectives: To study hematological and biochemical manifestations in the patients with Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome and to assess their correlation with the severity of disease.Materials and Methods: 100 patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome admitted in two tertiary hospitals in Davangere, Karnataka were included in the study. The peripheral blood samples were collected and the disease was confirmed by ELISA method.Results: Out of 100 patients, 65% were in the age group of 26-45 years. Males (67%) were more commonly affected than females (33%). Fever was the predominant symptom seen in 59% of cases; followed by weight loss (53%). Physical findings included anemia (54%), oral candidiasis (30%), generalized lymphadenopathy (25%), and skin lesions (15%). Normocytic normochromic blood picture was seen in 51% of cases. Leucopenia was seen in 30% cases and thrombocytopenia in 21% of cases. Hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes were significantly reduced according to severity criteria (p < 0.05). Altered liver function tests were seen in 28% of cases. Altered renal function tests were seen in 15% of cases. Biochemical parameters were not in correlation with severity of the disease.Conclusion: Hematological and biochemical abnormalities were common in patients with Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. Hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes were significantly reduced according to the severity criteria.Keywords: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Hematological manifestations, Liver function tests, Renal Function Tests