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

• Main Authors: Solomon Getawa, Melak Aynalem, Biruk Bayleyegn, Tiruneh Adane
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-04-01
• Series: International Journal of Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: Meta-analysis; HAART; HIV/AIDS; Systematic review; Thrombocytopenia
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971221002046

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) I2 = 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.