ALTERATION IN PLATELET INDICES AS LABORATORY TOOLS FOR MONITORING HIV PATIENTS ON ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN A SOUTH-SOUTH TERTIARY HOSPITAL, NIGERIA

Dennis A. Abunimye; Dorathy C. Okpokam; Joshua P. Mwankon; Euphoria C. Akwiwu; Ogha E. Okpokam; Stella B. Egbe; Onyekachi E. Ibe; Josephine O. Akpotuzor

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i4.1622

Dennis A. Abunimye Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Dorathy C. Okpokam Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Joshua P. Mwankon Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
Euphoria C. Akwiwu Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Ogha E. Okpokam Epidemiology and Public Health, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Nnewi, Nigeria.
Stella B. Egbe Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
Onyekachi E. Ibe Department of Haematology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Josephine O. Akpotuzor Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i4.1622

Keywords:

HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy, platelet distribution width, Plateletcrit (PCT), Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with haematological abnormalities, including changes in platelet count and platelet indices, which may persist despite antiretroviral therapy.

Objective: To assess platelet count, platelet indices, CD4 count, and viral load among PLHIV receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Calabar, Nigeria, and to compare these parameters with HIV-seronegative controls.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 participants aged 22–45 years, comprising 30 HIV-positive individuals receiving HAART and 30 HIV-seronegative controls. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured, and structured questionnaires were administered. Full blood count was performed using an automated haematologyanalyser to determine platelet count and indices, while CD4 T-cell count was measured using the PartecCyFlow counter.

Results: Females constituted 57% of participants and males 43%, while 63% were married. Among PLHIV, 70% received Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and 30% received Abacavir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (ALD), with approximately 60% reporting adherence to therapy. Platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher among PLHIV than controls (16.1% vs. 14.6%), while CD4 count was significantly lower.

Conclusion: HIV infection was associated with significant alterations in PDW, platelet-related parameters, CD4 count, and viral load among individuals receiving HAART. Although platelet parameters remained within reference ranges, their changes may provide clinically useful indicators for monitoring haematological status and treatment response in HIV care.

Peer Review History:

Received 2 June 2026; Reviewed 4 July 2026; Accepted 7 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]