The global prevalence of thrombocytopenia among HIV-infected adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is the second most frequent complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, occurring in about 4-40% of HIV-infected patients. This study aimed to determine the global prevalence of thrombocytopenia among HIV/AIDS adults and its association with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHOD: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Joana Brigg’s Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used for quality appraisal of the included articles. A random-effect model was fitted to calculate the pooled estimates using STATA version-11. A sub-group analysis and sensitivity analysis were carried out to determine the potential source of heterogeneity. RESULT: Of the 1823 articles that were retrieved, 20 full-text articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of thrombocytopenia among HIV-infected adults was 17.9% (95% CI: 14.69, 21.12) I(2) = 96.4%. The pooled prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 21.00% (95% CI: 17.35, 24.65) and 11.64% (95% CI: 6.66, 16.62), before and after initiation of HAART, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia is a common comorbidity in HIV patients and HAART was significantly associated with reduced thrombocytopenia. Therefore, prompt start of HAART might help to decrease the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and its subsequent complications.

• Population(s)
  • General HIV+ population
• Co-morbidities
  • Other