Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment on Complete Blood Count Parameters

Aim: This study assesses the effects of HAART on complete blood count parameters among HIV infected participants.

Study Design: Case control study.

Place and Methods: This study was conducted in Tamale, Ghana from August, 2016 to December, 2017.

Methodology: A total of 300 HIV infected participants with ages ranging from 19–79 years, administered with HAART for at least 6 months were recruited. Pre-HAART administration (baseline) demographic and clinical information, with initial full blood count results were retrieved from the medical records of the participants. Post HAART administration blood sample (5mLs) was taken from each participant into an EDTA vacutainer tube and complete blood count (CBC) performed using URIT 5250 haematology analyser. Participants transfused with blood over the last 4 months were excluded from the study.

Results: The study recorded significant decreases in WBC and Neutrophil (%) post HAART administration. Lymphocyte (%), Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, MCV, MCHC, RDW-SD were all significantly higher post HAART administration. Total Platelets count, MPV, PDW-SD, PCT and P-LCR were significantly lower post-HAART administration. A comparison of the effects of EFV and NVP administered with AZT/3TC backbone yielded the following results. The NVP group recorded a significantly higher HCT compared with the EFV group (p-0.0073). A significantly higher mean PCT, MPV, P-LCR, PLCC, PDW-SD were recorded in the EFV group compared to the NVP group respectively.

Conclusion: The administration of HAART is associated with significant improvements in erythroid and lymphoid lineages, reduce anaemia, improves immunity and general patient well-being. NVP improve erythroid cell indices while EFV ameliorate platelet indices. HAART regimen should be chosen based on the pre-HAART laboratory tests conducted on the individual.