Elite Journal of Haematology. Volume 2 issue 5(2024), Pp. 72-89 https://epjournals.com/journals/EJH Citation: Obeagu EI, Ngomo SSI. Erythrocyte Morphology in Hemophilia Patients Co-infected with HIV: A Review. Elite Journal of Haematology, 2024; 2(5): 72-89 1 Erythrocyte Morphology in Hemophilia Patients Co-infected with HIV: A Review * Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu 1 and Sharon Seni Itoe Ngomo 2 1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda 2 Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon * Corresponding authour: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda, emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002- 4538-0161 Abstract Hemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder, frequently coexists with HIV infection due to shared risk factors such as blood product transfusions. Erythrocyte morphology alterations in hemophilia patients co-infected with HIV have garnered recent attention due to potential implications for disease management and prognosis. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), play a crucial role in oxygen transport and tissue perfusion. In hemophilia, deficient or defective clotting factors can lead to spontaneous or prolonged bleeding episodes, contributing to anemia and subsequent changes in erythrocyte morphology. Moreover, the presence of HIV infection introduces additional complexities to the erythrocyte morphology profile, with HIV-associated hematological abnormalities exacerbating pre-existing erythrocyte abnormalities in hemophilia patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms driving erythrocyte morphology alterations in hemophilia patients co-infected with HIV are multifactorial. Chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and bone marrow suppression associated with HIV infection disrupt erythropoiesis and promote the development of morphological abnormalities in RBCs. Clinical implications of erythrocyte morphology alterations include the need for monitoring erythrocyte parameters and optimizing ART regimens and supportive measures to mitigate the impact on patient outcomes. Continued research efforts are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and guide therapeutic strategies in hemophilia patients with HIV co-infection. Keywords: Hemophilia, HIV, co-infection, erythrocyte morphology, red blood cells, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pathophysiology, clinical implications, management