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Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acute Deep Vein Thromboses

Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, susanlouw{at}mweb.co.za

Barry F. Jacobson, FRCS, PhD

Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Clinical Haematology Department, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa

Harry Büller, MD, PhD

Department of Vascular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Abnormalities that predispose to a hypercoagulable state with an increased incidence of venous thrombosis have been described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and are associated with an increased mortality. A recent systematic review by Klein et al concluded that further studies are essential to elucidate the link between HIV infection and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We prospectively evaluated 24 consecutive, active people presenting with an acute DVT; 13 consented to HIV testing, revealing an HIV prevalence of 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-1.04). In a matched healthy control group, the HIV prevalence was 4% (95% CI, 0.039-0.041). The high HIV prevalence in the DVT group that consented to testing was also significantly higher compared to that in the South African population, estimated to be 10% in 2005. Although the study numbers were low, a statistically significant increased prevalence of HIV infection was found in patients with acute DVTs.

Key Words: deep vein thrombosis • hypercoagulable • human immunodeficiency virus

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