Hyperhomocysteinemia in HIV-infected individuals: correlation of a frequent prothrombotic factor with CD4+ Cell count

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at providing an analysis of the correlation between CD4/CD8 counts and some coagulation factors in HIV-Positive Iranian patients. A case-control study on 58 HIV-infected patients and control group [58 healthy individuals]. Patients and controls were matched for sex and age. In this study, several blood parameters were measured in 58 HIV-infected patients and the controls. Laboratory data were then measured including hemoglobin, platelets, homocysteine, serum levels of IgM and IgG antiphospholipid antibodies [aPL], IgM and IgG anticardiolipin antibotdies [aCL], and CD4[+] and CD8[+] cell count. The HIV-infected patients, compared to healthy controls, showed a significant decline in platelets, CD4 count and CD8 count [p<0.0001], and an increase of homocysteine [p<0.0001] and IgG aPL levels [p<0.0001]. No statistical difference was found between patients with CD4 count CD4 count >200 in the evaluated variables. The results showed that thrombophilic abnormality in the form of hyperhomocysteinemia is more frequent in HIV-infected patients and should be considered by clinicians in view of an early diagnosis of the hypercoagulability state to prevent thrombotic complications