Severe anaemia complicating HIV in Malawi; Multiple co-existing aetiologies are associated with high mortality.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe anaemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected adults living in resource-limited countries. Comprehensive data on the aetiology are lacking but are needed to improve outcomes.

Methods

HIV-infected adults with severe (haemoglobin ≤70g/l) or very severe anaemia (haemoglobin ≤ 50 g/l) were recruited at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. Fifteen potential causes and associations with anaemia severity and mortality were explored.

Results

199 patients were enrolled: 42.2% had very severe anaemia and 45.7% were on ART. More than two potential causes for anaemia were present in 94% of the patients including iron deficiency (55.3%), underweight (BMI<20: 49.7%), TB infection (41.2%) and unsuppressed HIV infection (viral lo

SUBMITTER: Huibers MHW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7041863 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature