HEMATOLOGIC COMPLICATIONS OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS INFECTION AND THE ACQUIRED-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-SYNDROME

Hematologic abnormalities seen in HIV infection and AIDS include cytop enias, hypergammaglobulinemia and lupus anticoagulants. Cytopenias are most common and may cause significant symptoms. Causes of cytopenia i nclude decreased production of blood cells due to the effects of HIV i nfection on the bone marrow through cytokine expression, as well as im mune mediated destruction of blood cells, especially platelets. Advers e drug reactions and the secondary effects of opportunistic infections also play major roles. Therapeutic strategies for amelioration of cyt openias are directed at correction of the underlying cause of the cyto penia, and providing supportive care including the judicious use of tr ansfusions, as well as hematopoietic growth factors.