Anemia and human immunodeficiency virus disease in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Data derived from studies conducted before 1996 consistently showed that anemia was a common occurrence in patients with human immunodeficiency (HIV) Infection and an Independent risk factor for early death. Correction of anemia was associated with reversal of this increased risk. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been shown to reduce HIV disease progression and mortality. In the HAART era, HIV-related anemia is still common and independently associated with decreased survival, with a decreased risk of mortality associated with recovery from anemia. Epoetin alfa treatment has been shown to correct anemia and significantly improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with HIV disease. Additional data on the effect of correction of anemia with epoetin alfa treatment on survival in patients with HIV infection are needed.