HIV-associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia: An update

In addition to developing immunosuppression, opportunistic infections, and malignancies, patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also develop many hematologic disorders. Although cytopenias including thrombocytopenia, anemia, and leukopenia, and bone marrow dysplasia are the most common hematologic complications encountered in such patients, hemostatic abnormalities that predispose patients to thromboembolism have also been recognized. Anemia in HIV patients can be multifactorial but an increased incidence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia has been manifested by the increased incidence of positive Coombs' test reported in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Overt hemolysis is a rare complication. This review article discusses the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) associated with HIV infection.