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Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for opportunistic infections in children with HIV infection

K Grimwade1, G Swingler

  • 1Hlabisa Hospital, Private Bag X5001, Hlabisa, Hlabisa, South Africa. kcg@iafrica.com

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

No studies were found to evaluate cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in children with HIV. Further research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safety in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • HIV/AIDS Management
  • Public Health Interventions

Background:

  • Antiretroviral drugs are inaccessible for most children with HIV in low-income countries.
  • Cotrimoxazole is a cost-effective treatment for various infections, including Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a major cause of mortality in infants.
  • Diagnosing HIV in children is challenging due to maternal antibodies, necessitating strategies like prophylaxis based on maternal status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of routine cotrimoxazole administration on mortality and illness in HIV-infected children.
  • To assess the effects of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in infants born to mothers with HIV.

Main Methods:

  • Searched multiple databases (Cochrane HIV/AIDS, MEDLINE, LILACS, etc.) and conference proceedings up to July 2001.
  • Included randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing cotrimoxazole with placebo or no treatment.
  • Two independent reviewers assessed trial eligibility and quality.

Main Results:

  • No studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
  • There is a lack of controlled trial data on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected children.

Conclusions:

  • No evidence from controlled trials exists regarding the efficacy of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in children with HIV.
  • Further research is required to establish the benefits and risks of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in this population.
Abstract

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