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Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Clinico-laboratory profile of pediatric HIV in Karnataka
Ramesh R Pol1, T A Shepur, Vinod H Ratageri
1Department of Pediatrics, Karnataka Institute of Medical Science, Hubli, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Vertical transmission is the primary cause of HIV infection in hospitalized children. Common symptoms include persistent fever, cough, and weight loss, with tuberculosis being the most frequent opportunistic infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in children presents unique challenges, particularly concerning opportunistic infections and transmission routes.
- Understanding the clinical spectrum and epidemiological patterns of pediatric HIV is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical manifestations and incidence of opportunistic infections in hospitalized children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
- To identify the predominant modes of HIV transmission in the pediatric population studied.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 71 HIV-seropositive children (18 months to 12 years) admitted to a pediatric ward over 15 months was analyzed.
- Clinical data, socio-demographic characteristics, and physical examination findings were recorded.
- Children were classified according to the 1994 revised CDC classification for pediatric HIV infection.
Main Results:
- Vertical transmission accounted for 94.37% of HIV cases.
- The most frequent clinical symptoms were persistent fever (70.42%), cough (59.15%), loss of appetite (59.15%), and weight loss (56.33%).
- Tuberculosis (38.03%) was the most common opportunistic infection, followed by recurrent diarrhea (30.99%) and oral candidiasis (21.13%).
Conclusions:
- Vertical transmission is the predominant route of HIV infection in this pediatric cohort.
- Persistent fever, cough, loss of appetite, and weight loss are key clinical indicators of pediatric HIV.
- Tuberculosis is the leading opportunistic infection requiring targeted intervention in HIV-infected children.
Objective:
To study the clinical manifestations and incidence of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS seropositive proven hospitalized children.
Methods:
Proven HIV seropositive children aged between 18 months to 12 years, admitted between April 2004 to June 2005 (15 months) to pediatric medical ward, KIMS, Hubli, were enrolled. Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations were recorded in the predesigned proforma. A complete physical examination and laboratory investigations were performed at the time of admission. Children were categorized as per 1994 revised CDC classification of pediatric HIV infection.
Results:
Number of HIV seropositive children admitted during study period was 71. Vertical transmission was noted in 94.37%, which is the major route of transmission. The common symptoms noted were persistent fever (70.42%), persistent cough (59.15%), loss of appetite (59.15%), loss of weight (56.33%) and recurrent diarrhea (30.99%). The common signs present were, hepatomegaly (69.04%), skin lesions (59.15%), lymphadenopathy (57.75%) and severe malnutrition (54.93%). The common opportunistic infections observed were tuberculosis (38.03%), recurrent diarrhea (30.99%), oral candidiasis (21.13%) and recurrent bacterial pneumonia (12.68%). Six (8.45%) children died during the study period, which included 4 (5.63%) cases of HIV-encephalopathy.
Conclusion:
Vertical transmission was the major route of HIV infection. Persistent fever, cough, loss of appetite and loss of weight were common presenting clinical features. Tuberculosis was the commonest opportunistic infection.
