Assessment of the effect of anti-retroviral therapy on haematological parameters in HIV positive individuals in Zaria

A total of 230 patients receiving HAART for the first time and followed regularly were retained and their information gotten using a questionnaire. Of this number, 146 (63.5%) were on Stavudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine (Regimen 1). 84(36.5%) while the remaining were on zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine (Regimen 5). The distribution was 75(32.6%) males and 155(67.4%) females. Blood was collected from each patient and analyzed (Baseline) using the Sysmex KX-21N for haematological parameters which include Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Total White Blood Cell count (WBC), Red blood Cell count (RBC), Platelet count, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte and Mixed count. All the values were repeated after 3 months treatment. The data were analysed using Graph pad InStat version 3. All patients had appreciable increase in CD4 levels, patients on regimen 1 had a significant increase in Hb, PCV and Lymphocyte count with P-value (<0.05). Patients on regimen 5 on the other hand had significant decrease in HB, PCV and Lymphocyte count with P-value (<0.05). In this study, haematological response is better in regimen 1 than regimen 5. Key words: HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), haematological parameters, anti-retroviral therapy, Zaria.