HIV and haematological problems

Lymphopenia with depression of the CD4 cell subset is a marker for HIV disease. Mild to moderate neutropenia and a

normochromic, normocytic anaemia of unknown origin are often seen but usually have no adverse effect on HIV-infected individuals. Severe anaemia or neutropenia should be investigated for other underlying causes. Thrombocytopenia is common in HIV disease and, only if persistent, causing bleeding and less than 20 ? 109/litre warrants treatment with antiretrovirals which is usually effective. Many therapies used to treat HIV may be toxic to bone marrow.