AIDS and AIDS-related complex in twenty Zambians with sickle cell anemia
Fleming, A.F.
Central African Journal of Medicine 34(4): 70-72
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 3248300 Document Number: 305438
20 Zambians with sickle cell anemia presented with generalized lymphadenopathy and other signs suggestive of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or the AIDS-related complex at the Arthur Davison Children's Hospital and the Ndola Central Hospital in Ndola, Zambia. All were found to have anti-HIV antibodies. 3 are known to have died within 10 months of diagnosis. Patients with this sickle cell anemia form a major group at risk for HIV infection through transfusion. The 1st step in prevention is to maintain the health of the patients, so avoiding the need to transfuse blood, and a call is make for the development of Sickle Cell Clinics. Secondly, blood transfusion should be confined to only those patients in danger of dying of anemic heart failure. These 2 steps should be taken, even when blood donors are screened for HIV.