Anemia as a Prognostic Marker for Disease Progression in HIV Infection

Abstract

Anemia, a prevalent hematologic manifestation in individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, has garnered considerable attention as a prognostic indicator for disease progression and adverse clinical outcomes. This abstract presents a comprehensive review elucidating the intricate relationship between anemia and the progression of HIV infection, incorporating epidemiological trends, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and prognostic significance. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), anemia remains a frequent complication in HIVinfected individuals, posing substantial challenges to patient management. This paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of anemia's role as a prognostic marker, surpassing its conventional characterization as a hematologic abnormality in the context of HIV infection. Anemia's role as a predictive marker for adverse clinical outcomes in HIV patients is explored, encompassing increased mortality rates, heightened risk of opportunistic infections, accelerated disease progression, and compromised quality of life. The review delves into its prognostic significance, shaping therapeutic decisions and prognostic assessments. This paper encapsulates the criticality of anemia as a prognostic marker for disease progression in HIV infection. Understanding its epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and prognostic significance is pivotal for informed clinical decision-making, prognostic assessments, and optimizing care paradigms in HIV management. Keywords: Anemia, Prognostic Marker, Disease Progression and HIV