Study Examines Risk Factors For Thrombocytopenia In HIV-Positive Patients
A new study finds that hepatitis C infection, liver cirrhosis, and high viral load are risk factors for thrombocytopenia in HIV-positive individuals, even if they are receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).
Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the number of platelets in a person’s blood drops to abnormally low levels. Platelets are cells that are involved in blood clotting, and low platelet levels can lead to excessive bruising or bleeding. When left untreated, HIV infections can cause thrombocytopenia. Before modern HAART treatment regimens were developed, the condition was often seen in AIDS patients.
In a study published in the September 3 issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, researchers found certain risk factors for thrombocytopenia still exist in patients receiving HAART. Analysis of 73 HIV-positive adults who developed thrombocytopenia revealed that high viral loads (greater than 400 copies/mL), hepatitis C infection, and liver cirrhosis increase the possibility of developing the condition.
The researchers also found that thrombocytopenia was associated with a greater possibility of major bleeding incidents, and with death not related to blood loss.
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia include bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. Often the condition does not cause symptoms, but is detected during routine blood counts.
Thrombocytopenia can be treated with medications, such as corticosteroids, or by controlling the underlying cause, such as HIV or hepatitis C infection.
For more information, see the study in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (abstract).
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