Title : Assessment of hematological, hepatic and renal parameters among HIV-infected patients based on duration on antiretroviral therapy
Abstract:
Background: HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) can significantly impact hematological, hepatic and renal functions, although the effects are complex and influenced by factors including type of drugs, duration of therapy and patients’ underlying conditions. However, the influence of ART duration on these laboratory markers remains underexplored.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the hematological, hepatic and renal parameters among HIV-infected patients based on the ART duration.
Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted from January to December, 2025 among 100 HIV-infected patients attending General Hospital Odan, Lagos state, Nigeria. Demographic data and ART duration were recorded. Laboratory assessment such as full blood count, liver function tests and renal function markers and electrolytes were carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the means and standard deviations while trend and correlation analyses examined the associations between laboratory parameters and ART duration.
Results: The prevalence of laboratory abnormalities such as anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, Elevated liver enzymes and Renal Impairment were 49%, 99%, 5%, 90% and 35% respectively. Trend analysis showed that laboratory abnormalities were more pronounced in early to mid-term ART durations (13–36 months) with partial stabilization in long-term therapy (>48 months). Mean RBC increased from 3.37 ×10⁹/μL (≤12 months) to 3.83 ×10⁹/μL (>60 months), hemoglobin from 11.83 g/dL to 12.90 g/dL, and platelets from 178 ×10³/μL to 226 ×10³/μL. Liver enzymes were elevated in early and mid-term ART but stabilized in long-term therapy. Renal parameters showed slight mid-term increases (urea 3.25–6.54 mmol/L; creatinine 72–135 μmol/L) with normalization in long-term therapy. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive association between ART duration and some laboratory parameters like RBC count (r = 0.336, p = 0.001), MCH (r = 0.261, p = 0.009), MCHC (r = 0.257, p = 0.010), eosinophils (r = 0.283, p = 0.004), basophils (r = 0.223, p = 0.026), and platelet count (r = 0.221, p = 0.027).
Conclusion: Antiretroviral therapy duration is associated with progressive recovery of the hematological indices while hepatic and renal functions remain vulnerable. Regular monitoring of laboratory parameters is recommended to guide clinical interventions, optimize patient care and minimize complications.
Key words: HIV, antiretroviral therapy, liver function, renal function, hematology, laboratory abnormalities.
