Clinical Profile and Outcome of Adult Hiv-Positve Patients Presenting to the Emergency
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Date
2025
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Addis Ababa Uinverstiy
Abstract
HIV has been a global health problem since its identification. Despite a decline in
new infections, many patients still present to emergency departments with advanced disease and
critical systemic infections in Ethiopia.
Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile and outcomes of adult
HIV-positive patients presenting to the emergency department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized
Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: This study involved a retrospective cross-sectional electronic medical records review
from January 1 to June 30, 2025, taking place in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital adult
emergency department. Data was extracted using a structured Kobo tool and then analyzed with
SPSS v27. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with
mortality, with a p-value of <0.05 regarded as statistically significant.
Results: Out of a total of 104 HIV-positive patients included, the mean age was 45.78 ±14.25
years, and 64(61.5%) were females. The leading clinical presentations were vomiting (14.1%),
diarrhea (10.5%), and fatigue (10.1%). Outcomes included ICU admission at 3.8%, and
emergency department mortality at 14.2%. Advanced WHO clinical stage (AOR=6.068,
95%CI:1.273-28.880, P=0.024), high white blood cell count(AOR=1.205, 95%CI:1.015-
1.429,P=0.033), and hemoglobin (AOR=0.704, 95% CI: 0.540-0.918,P=0.009) were significant
independent predictors of mortality. The majority (76.4%) stayed in the ED for ≥24 hours, with a
median stay of 2 days (IQR: 1–3).
Conclusion: Most HIV-positive adults presenting Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
emergency department had advanced diseases, high mortality, and prolonged ED stays.
Advanced WHO clinical stage, high WBC, and low hemoglobin are independently associated
with increased mortality. Findings underscore the need for early HIV diagnosis, proper
monitoring, and optimized care.
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Keywords
HIV, Emergency Department, Clinical Profile, Outcomes, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia