[Nutritional status in HIV infection in infancy]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Nutritional Science
• Immunology

Context:

• Malnutrition is a common complication in children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
• This study reviewed the physiopathology of malnutrition in a cohort of newborns and children diagnosed with HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), or AIDS-Related Complex (ARC).
• The study excluded transfused and hemophiliac patients.

Purpose:

• To review the physiopathology of malnutrition in HIV-infected children.
• To identify factors contributing to malnutrition in this population.
• To assess the severity of malnutrition based on clinical and biochemical parameters.

Summary:

• The study analyzed 183 newborns, with 53 (29%) infected with HIV. Factors like anorexia, vomiting, fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and drug therapy frequently impacted nutritional status.
• Children were grouped by age and disease severity (HIV+, P-2, deceased with AIDS). Significant growth deficits (weight and height < 10th percentile) were observed, particularly in children who died of AIDS (80%) and those under 18 months with P-2 classification.
• Biochemical markers such as hemoglobin, T4/T8 ratio, total proteins, seroalbumin, and calcium were negatively affected, with the most severe impact seen in deceased patients.

Impact:

• HIV-infected children exhibit significant malnutrition, a multifactorial condition requiring nutritional support.
• Findings highlight the critical need for early nutritional intervention and management in pediatric HIV/AIDS care.
• The study underscores the link between disease progression, age, and the severity of malnutrition in children with HIV.