Abstract:
Background: Hereditary spherocytosis is a type of hemolytic anemia characterized by a clinically heterogeneous, genetically defined red blood cell membrane abnormality that results in hemolytic crisis. The inheritance of HS is autosomal dominant in 80% of affected individuals and recessive genes or sporadic type in the remaining 20%.
Objective: The main aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of immune hereditary spherocytosis among human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital in northwest Ethiopia from March to April 2021.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults selected by systematic random sampling at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from March to April 2021. Data for socio-demographic data were collected by structured pretested questionnaire. Five ml of venous blood was drawn from each participant and analyzed by Unicel DHX 800 hematology analyzer, and blood film examination and antihuman globulin test were performed to exclude immune hemolytic anemia. Data was entered into Epidata version 4.6 and analyzed by STATA version 14. Descriptive statistics were computed and drawn in charts and graphs.
Results: The prevalence of hereditary spherocytosis was 2 of 358 participants. Both individuals who developed hereditary spherocytosis were females and in the age group of 22 to 35. The overall prevalence of anemia was 91 (25.42%). Of those anemic study population 3 (3.29%), 28 (30.77%), and 60 (65.93%), respectively, had severe, moderate, and mild anemia.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Hereditary spherocytosis is a less frequent condition in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults. In these patients, early detection and treatment are necessary at the familial level by using a test algorithm.
