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Are Anemia And Low Platelet Count A Cause For Concern While On HAART Therapy?

Posted on Tue, 7 Jun 2016

Question: I have been HIV+ for 10 years, been under HAART therapy for 7 years. My viral load is negative, and CD4 counts in the 600s. Prior to becoming HIV+, I had no hematologic abnormalities. Since then, my platelets have been chronically low, with a XXXXXXX of 100-115. I bruise easily, esp. with phlebotomy. I have seen a hematologist and have been recommended to undergo bone marrow biopsy if my levels fall to <100. Coincidentally, I have been borderline anemic at times while platelets have been low.

Is it inevitable that eventually my HIV will progress to AIDS and that bone marrow dysfunction will occur? Under what circumstances would YOU recommend bone marrow biopsy/aspiration? Finally, can HIV (or the medicines used to treat it) cause some degree of ITP?

I also have hepatomegaly, and borderline splenomegaly.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HAART can cause ITP.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome to HCM.

You are taking HAART since 7 years and your viral load along with CD4 count are within normal limits. Aneamia and low platelet count are side effects of HAART drugs. It can also cause bone marrow or platelet dysfuntion.

Bone marrow biopsy is recommended to rule out if any other abnormality exits or not. Some common drugs of HAART like zidovudine can cause anemia and ITP. Consult any HIV specialist and follow the advice. For any further query get back to me again.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar