Elite Journal of Medicine. Volume 2 Issue 9 (2024), Pp. 119-134 https://epjournals.com/journals/EJM Citation: Obeagu EI, Kanu SN. Impact of Aplastic Anemia on Healthcare Utilization and Costs in HIV Patients. Elite Journal of Medicine, 2024; 2(9): 119-134 1 Impact of Aplastic Anemia on Healthcare Utilization and Costs in HIV Patients *Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu 1 and Stella Ngozika Kanu 2 1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda. 2 Department of Haematology, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria *Corresponding authour: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda, emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002- 4538-0161 Abstract Aplastic anemia (AA) presents a significant challenge in the management of patients living with HIV, with profound implications for healthcare utilization and costs. This review examines the impact of AA on the healthcare system, focusing on the increased frequency of medical visits, hospitalizations, and the associated financial burden. Patients with AA and HIV require comprehensive care that often includes frequent monitoring, complex treatments, and management of severe complications, leading to higher healthcare utilization and costs. The direct costs encompass medical visits, hospital stays, and treatments, while indirect costs include loss of productivity and diminished quality of life. The increased healthcare utilization in this patient population is driven by the need for ongoing management of both AA and HIV, with frequent hospitalizations and emergency department visits adding to the financial strain. Direct costs involve expenses for therapies such as immunosuppressants and blood transfusions, as well as the continual management of HIV. Indirect costs include productivity losses and reduced income due to the chronic nature of both conditions. The cumulative impact of these costs highlights the economic burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Keywords: Aplastic Anemia, HIV, Healthcare Utilization, Healthcare Costs, Economic Impact Introduction Aplastic anemia (AA) is a serious hematologic disorder characterized by the failure of bone marrow to produce sufficient blood cells, leading to pancytopenia. When AA occurs in patients with HIV, it presents a unique set of challenges that significantly impact healthcare utilization and costs. Both conditions require complex management strategies, which can strain healthcare