Types and Morphological Characteristics of Anemia in HIV-Positive Pregnant Women at Booking in Enugu, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study
PO Fannami, EO Izuka, CE Obiora-Izuka, PC Udealor, EI Iloghalu, JE Nnagbo, AD Onyeabochukwu, JT Enebe, U Abba, TU Nwagha, UI NwaghaBackground:
Anemia in pregnancy remains a major public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a significant contributor to maternal anemia, making the identification of its morphological patterns important for clinical management.
Objective:
To determine and compare red blood cell (RBC) indices and morphological patterns of anemia among HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women at booking.
Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 pregnant women (63 HIV-positive and 63 HIV-negative) attending antenatal clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained, and blood samples were analyzed for red cell indices, CD4 count, and viral load. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with significance set at
Results:
HIV-positive pregnant women had a significantly lower mean packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and total RBC count compared to HIV-negative women (
Conclusion:
HIV-positive pregnant women have a higher burden of anemia with significantly lower hematological indices compared to HIV-negative counterparts. Normocytic normochromic anemia is the predominant morphological pattern. Immunological status and viral load are important determinants of anemia severity.