Abstract :
Hematological complications in patients co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sickle Cell
Disease (SCD) present significant clinical challenges due to the complex interplay between these two conditions.
Both HIV and SCD independently contribute to hematological abnormalities such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and
immune dysregulation, but their coexistence exacerbates these complications. Chronic hemolysis, bone marrow
suppression, and immune system dysfunction in SCD patients are further aggravated by HIV-induced inflammation,
opportunistic infections, and the hematotoxic effects of certain antiretroviral therapies (ART). This overlapping
pathology complicates disease management and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in affected individuals.
Anemia is the most common hematological complication in HIV-infected SCD patients, resulting from a combination
of chronic hemolysis, impaired erythropoiesis, and nutritional deficiencies. Thrombocytopenia, driven by
autoimmune destruction and splenic sequestration, increases the risk of bleeding, particularly during vaso-occlusive
crises. Additionally, immune dysfunction caused by HIV further compromises leukocyte function, heightening
susceptibility to severe infections. The hypercoagulable state induced by both diseases increases the risk of
thrombotic events, complicating therapeutic strategies that require careful balancing between anticoagulation and
bleeding prevention.
Keyword :
Sickle Cell Disease, HIV, Hematological Complications, Anemia, Thrombocytopenia