|Anemia Development In Aids
May 21, 2004
I have been desperately searching for HIV caused anemia. Many sites refer to it but none of them provide the exact information I'm looking for. So now i come to you. Here is my question: Does HIV infection cause anemia directly or is anemia always a side effect of prescribed medications? As an example, a man presents with hematocrit=56% but is dehydrated. He is rehydrated with fluid containing K+ and given antibiotics. The hematocrit reverses itself and the individual becomes anemic. Is the anemia in some way a result of HIV infection that presented itself after rehydration? Or is it a response to antibiotics? Confused!?!? Thanks for your insight...
Response from Dr. Frascino
Desperately searching for information about HIV-related anemia? Well, you've come to the right place! Although, I must admit, I'm not exactly sure what you're asking about in your hypothetical example.
Your primary question seems to center on whether HIV infection itself can cause anemia. The answer to that is yes, indirectly it does. The mechanism is a bit complicated to explain, but in simple terms, HIV itself causes chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can suppress bone marrow function. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. So, if the bone marrow's function, including production of red blood cells among other things, is suppressed, eventually a deficiency of red blood cells develops. We call this "anemia of chronic disease." It occurs not only with HIV, but also with other chronic conditions, like cancer. In more technical terms, HIV disrupts the microenvironment of bone marrow necessary for optimal red blood cell production. In addition, HIV increases circulating inflammatory cytokines (a consequence of inflammation) and impairs the bone marrow's response to erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidney that stimulates and regulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. See, I told you this could get a bit complicated. Added to these mechanisms are HIV-related opportunistic infections (MAC, TB, parvovirus B19, etc.) that may also cause anemia.
You mentioned anemia as a side effect of medications; consequently, I'm assuming you are well aware of the fact that drugs used to treat HIV or its complications can have side effects that can lead to anemia. The biggest offender is AZT (Retrovir, Combivir, Trizivir). Other drugs also associated with anemia include Bactrim, ganciclovir, dapsone, pyrimethamine, interferon, and cancer chemotherapy.
As to your hypothetical situation, there are so many potential parameters in play that I cannot hazard a guess. Hopefully the above information should clear up any confusion. If not, don't hesitate to write back.
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