Outcome of anemia in children on antiretroviral treatment at Yalgado Ouedraogo University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

In the context of HIV, the high incidence of anemia depends on the stage of the disease. The aim of the study was to describe the outcome of anemia in HIV infected children on ART in the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Yalgado Ouédraogo. It was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study in HIV infected children on ART in the pediatric department of Yalgado Ouédraogo from June 2005 to July 20 13. Ail HIV infected children who had a blood count at initiation (MO), 6 months (M 6) and 12 months (MJ 2) of antiretroviral therapy were enrolled. Statistical tests used were x2, fisher's and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Anemia was present in 94 children (87%). It was moderate in 65%, normochromic normocytic in 56% and hypochromic microcytic in 44%. At M6 and M l2 of follow up, anemia was present respectively in 75 (69.4%) and 66 (61%) children. Note that at M l2, it was moderate in 57.6% and normochromie normocytic in 85% of children. In addition, the mean hemoglobin level increased from 9.4 g/dl (3,7 l 2.7 g/dl) at baseline to 10,9 gIdl (7,9 13.8 gIdl) at M l2 . Iron supplement al baseline was not statistically associated with the absence of anemia at M6 of follow up. The frequency of anemia decreased in HIV infected children on ART. The prescription of iron should not be systematic in HIV infected children presenting anemia, but must be guided by the blood count analysis and other complementary tests.