Thrombocytopenia and the Neglected Megakaryocyte

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but it is not related to the presence or absence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and patients with HIV-related thrombocytopenia do not get AIDS sooner than others. HIV-related thrombocytopenia resembles idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, with normal or increased numbers of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, the absence of splenomegaly, and increased platelet-associated IgG. In general, it responds to therapeutic approaches, such as corticosteroids and splenectomy, in a fashion similar to that of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. These similarities have led to the general tendency to equate the two . . .