Relationship between cytomegalovirus infection and procoagulant changes in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus is associated with hypercoagulability, and is reported to increase the risk of venous thrombosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Progression to AIDS, however, is also associated with hypercoagulability and venous thrombosis, and may result in more comorbidities, such as reactivation of cytomegalovirus. It is therefore unknown whether active cytomegalovirus in HIV infection results in a procoagulant state or whether hypercoagulability is the result of HIV infection itself. In this cross-sectional study of 104 consecutive HIV-infected patients, active cytomegalovirus infection was associated with hypercoagulability independently of stage of HIV disease. This finding may deserve attention in preventative recommendations for use of thromboprophylaxis in HIV-infected patients.