Coagulation Profile of HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Kano, North West Nigeria

This study assesses the coagulation profile of HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Kano State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. HIV infection and its treatment with ART are associated with alterations in haemostatic pathways that may predispose patients to either bleeding or thrombotic complications. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted involving 120 HIV-positive patients on ART for at least six months and 60 HIV-negative controls matched by age and sex. Coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer were measured. CD4 cell counts were obtained from clinical records. Results showed significantly prolonged PT and APTT in HIV-positive patients compared to controls, along with elevated D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. Patients with CD4 counts below 200 cells per microlitre had the most deranged coagulation profiles. Duration of ART and specific drug regimen showed modest associations with fibrinogen elevation. These findings suggest a persistent hypercoagulable and inflammatory state even in treated HIV patients, emphasising the need for regular coagulation screening as part of ART monitoring protocols in Northern Nigeria. The study recommends incorporation of quarterly coagulation assessment into the routine management of HIV patients at the Infectious Disease Hospital Kano to facilitate early identification of thrombotic risk. Keywords: HIV, antiretroviral therapy, coagulation profile, D-dimer, Kano.