May 2017 Vol. 5 No.5

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Short Communication

Evaluation of impact of HIV on haematological indices of pregnant women in Umuahia

Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi^1*, Amilo G. I.², Okara Godswill C.³, Ochei K. C.⁴ and Unaeze Bright Chukwuebuka²

¹Diagnostic Laboratory Unit, Department of University Health Services, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
³Dr. Hassan’s Hospital & Diagnostic Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
⁴Family Health International (FHI360) Country Office, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com
Tel.: +2348037369912

Accepted May 25, 2017

Abstract

The research was done to evaluate the impact of HIV on haematological indices of pregnant women in Umuahia. HIV has been described as a silent killer. The clinical manifestations differ with individuals. The study was done in Umuahia. 150 subjects were recruited for the study. 50 subjects were HIV positive pregnant women, 50 subjects were HIV positive women and 50 subjects were HIV negative pregnant women. 2.5ml of venous blood was collected from each subject into EDTA anticoagulated containers for the CD4 count and Full blood count. Two different HIV screening kits were used, determine and Unigold test kits. Haemoglobin was determined by Haemoglobincyanide technique and PCV by microhaematocrit method. The result showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in platelets, white blood cells, neutrophil, PCV, Hb of the HIV positive pregnant women compared to the HIV positive pregnant women and no significant difference (P>0.05) in lymphocyte and red blood cell of the HIV positive pregnant women and that of HIV negative pregnant women respectively. The result also showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in platelets, white blood cell, neutrophil, PCV and Hb of the HIV positive pregnant women compared to HIV positive women and no significant difference (P>0.05) in lymphocytes and red blood cell count of the HIV positive pregnant women compared to the HIV positive women. HIV causes cytopenia in pregnancy and could lead to severe anaemia and opportunistic infections if not properly cared for.

Keywords: HIV, Haematological indices, Pregnant women, Umuahia