Chronic thrombocytopenia is a common hematologic disorder in patients infected with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although often asymptomatic, the thrombocytopenia
may be associated with a variety of bleeding abnormalities. The underlying pathophysiology
includes accelerated peripheral platelet destruction and decreased ('ineffective') production
of platelets from the infected megakaryocytes. HIV-related thrombocytopenia (HIV-TP)
responds to antiretroviral therapy. Most studies have evaluated the use of AZT (zidovudine) …