Title: Iron Studies of HIV-Infected Subjects in Calabar- A Nigerian Perspective
Authors: Euphoria C. Akwiwu, Josephine O. Akpotuzor, Josephine E. Okon, Osagie Egharevba
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i3.195
Abstract
Investigating anaemia through screening tests could be insufficient in managing chronic infections. This study investigated the involvement of iron in the anaemia of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Participants were aged 19 to 50 years, comprising 76 infected subjects and 53 controls. The CD4+ count and haemoglobin concentration were determined by automation. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were determined colorimetrically, while serum ferritin and interleukin-6 were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Percentage of treatment- naïve subjects (61%) exceeded that of subjects on treatment (39%). Generally, 12%, 16% and 8% of the infected subjects had lower serum iron, total iron binding capacity and ferritin values respectively while 50%, 51% and 35% had values higher than the reference values respectively. However 38%, 33% and 57% of the infected subjects had their values within the reference limits. Approximately 45% of infected subjects had lower haemoglobin concentration, while 55% had values within range. The iron parameters of treatment naïve infected subjects did not significantly (P> 0.05) change when compared with those on treatment but significantly changed (P < 0.5) when compared with the control group. Degree of immunosuppression adjudged by the CD4+count was 31.5% for severe 48.7% advanced, 14.5% mild and only 5.3% normal. There are greater percentages of treatment naive subjects as well as severe immunosuppression in this locality. Approximately 45% anaemia prevalence was recorded in the studied infected population but the anaemia may not be a reflection of iron deficiency.
Keywords: Anaemia, Iron Studies, Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
