Art Significantly Improves the Coagulation Profile of HIV Patients: A Case-Control Study at Mampong Municipal Hospital, Ashanti-Region, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes major morbidity and mortality through a variety of mechanisms, one of which is coagulation problems. ART has considerably lower rates of viral transmission, HIV-related illness, and fatality while simultaneously improving the quality of life of persons living with HIV. The study's goal was to ascertain how ART affected HIV patients' coagulation profiles. Methods: One hundred and two (102) HIV patients (52 on ART and 50 newly diagnosed, not on ART as controls) were enrolled in this case-control research from the antiretroviral clinic of Mampong Municipal Hospital. Blood samples were taken to measure the prothrombin time (PT), platelet counts, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), with the INR being computed from the PT values. Results: The mean platelet count (ART: 320.10 ±63.29 vs ART-naïve: 238.82 ± 75.18) was significantly higher in participants on ART compared to the ART-naïve participants (p<0.001). ART and ART-naïve participants had significantly prolonged PT (˃16sec), p=0.001 and p=0.025 respectively. Both ART and ART-naïve participants had high INR values above the biological reference interval of 0.80 – 1.30 (p<0.001 and p=0.005 respectively). APTT of ART participants was normal, whereas ART-naïve participants had significantly prolonged APTT (˃40sec) [p=0.001]. No significant differences were found between the coagulation profiles of ART patients taking drug regimen 1, R1[Tenofovir (TDF)+Lamivudine (3TC)+Efavirenz (EFV)], and those taking drug regimen 2, R2 [Tenofovir (TDF)+Lamivudine (3TC)+Dolutegravir (DTG)]. Conclusion: The haemostatic parameter where HIV has the most of an impact is prothrombin time (PT). ART combination (TDF+3TC+DTG) and (TDF+3TC+EFV) can enhance the coagulation profile in HIV-infected patients, by improving platelet count and APTT.