[Thrombocytopenia associated with HIV infection].

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Its pathogenesis has not yet been established. An increased platelet destruction either due to the nonspecific deposition of circulating immune complexes on platelets or to the presence of specific antiplatelet antibodies as well as direct infection of megakaryocytes by HIV with a resulting decrease in platelet production have been reported as possible mechanisms. About 30-50% of patients with moderate thrombocytopenia may show spontaneous remission. Patients with either severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 20 x 10(9)/l) or bleeding are usually first treated with corticosteroids or azidothymidine. If improvement does not occur, further therapeutic approaches are the same as for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. HIV-associated thrombocytopenia has no prognostic significance with regard to AIDS risk.