Nutrition in paediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection

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T L Miller1

  • 1University of Rochester Medical Center, Children's Hospital at Strong, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 667, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. tracie_miller@urmc.rochester.edu

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|May 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection experience growth problems due to various factors. New nutritional issues like lipodystrophy are emerging with advanced HIV treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Nutritional status is a significant challenge for children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection globally.
  • HIV-infected children exhibit impaired growth in height and weight compared to uninfected peers, a pattern that persists over time.
  • Factors such as infections, increased viral load, poor diet, malabsorption, and psychosocial issues contribute to growth deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the nutritional challenges faced by children with HIV.
  • To discuss the impact of evolving antiretroviral therapies on the nutritional status of HIV-infected children.
  • To highlight emerging nutritional complications associated with HIV treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on HIV and child nutrition.
  • Analysis of growth patterns in HIV-infected versus HIV-exposed, uninfected children.
  • Examination of the relationship between HIV disease progression, treatment regimens, and nutritional outcomes.

Main Results:

  • HIV-infected children demonstrate consistently poorer growth parameters (height and weight) than controls.
  • Acute infections and higher HIV viral load are associated with decreased growth.
  • Antiretroviral therapies, while extending lifespan, have introduced new nutritional problems like lipodystrophy, insulin resistance, and obesity.

Conclusions:

  • Growth faltering is a persistent issue in pediatric HIV, influenced by multifactorial causes.
  • Modern antiretroviral treatments have shifted nutritional concerns towards metabolic complications, including fat redistribution and potential cardiovascular risks.
  • Comprehensive nutritional management is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes in children living with HIV.

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