Hematological Manifestations of Infectious Disease

Abstract

Infectious processes have a potential to complicate the clinical picture by triggering a cascade of events which can ultimately affect standard lab values. Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelet abnormalities as well as coagulation disorders have been known to occur as sequelae of infection. The lab abnormalities as well as the resulting clinical effects of this deranged physiology in the setting of infection have long puzzled clinicians and have led to increased consultation from hematology service. We have attempted to consolidate the recently enlightened understanding of these changes and hope that it will translate into an improved patient care. Despite the decline in incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and improvements in drug therapy options (HAART), especially in the western population, hematological manifestations of HIV can be very extensive and warrant a separate chapter by itself. However we have included briefly some of the important hematological manifestations in an effort to make this article a comprehensive review. Keywords: