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Antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected children

Rakesh Lodha1, Amit Upadhyay, S K Kabra

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.

Indian Pediatrics
|September 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a feasible and effective treatment for children with HIV-1 in resource-limited settings. This affordable regimen shows significant improvements in growth parameters and CD4 counts, aiding in pediatric HIV management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is often inaccessible to children with HIV in developing nations.
  • Limited data exists on cost-effective treatment regimens, such as those using nevirapine and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected children in a resource-poor setting.
  • To assess the impact of this regimen on growth parameters and CD4 counts.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of HIV-1 infected children receiving a 3-drug nevirapine-based ART regimen for at least three months.
  • Regular follow-up included monitoring complications, anthropometry (weight for height, BMI), and CD4 counts.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-six children (mean age 68.5 months) were followed for a mean of 19.7 months.
  • Statistically significant improvements were observed in weight for height and body mass index.
  • Mean CD4 counts showed a trend of improvement, although with considerable variability.

Conclusions:

  • Nevirapine-based ART is a feasible treatment option for children with HIV-1 in resource-limited environments.
  • The therapy demonstrates positive effects on growth parameters, crucial for pediatric HIV management.
  • While generally well-tolerated, potential complications like skin rash and pancreatitis require monitoring.

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