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Correlation between clinical features and degree of immunosuppression in HIV infected children

D Agarwal1, J Chakravarty, S Sundar

  • 1ART Center, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, Uttar Pradesh, India. drdiptiagarwal@yahoo.co.in

Indian Pediatrics
|March 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

In HIV-infected children, low CD4% (a measure of immune health) is linked to worsening clinical stages and severe malnutrition. This highlights the importance of monitoring CD4% for disease progression in pediatric HIV.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in children.
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for managing HIV, but early indicators of disease progression are vital for naive patients.
  • CD4% is a key marker of immune system health in HIV-infected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between CD4% and clinical status in antiretroviral naive children with HIV.
  • To assess the relationship between CD4% and the severity of WHO clinical stages and protein-energy malnutrition.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 102 HIV-infected, antiretroviral naive children.
  • Data collected included age, mode of transmission, presenting symptoms, nutritional status (protein-energy malnutrition), WHO clinical stage, and CD4%.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to determine correlations.

Main Results:

  • The majority of children (94%) acquired HIV perinatally.
  • Common symptoms included fever, chronic diarrhea, and cough, with 56.7% experiencing protein-energy malnutrition.
  • A significant correlation was found between lower CD4% and advanced WHO clinical stages (P<0.01) and higher grades of protein-energy malnutrition (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • CD4% is a significant indicator of disease severity in HIV-infected children.
  • Monitoring CD4% is essential for assessing clinical status and nutritional challenges in pediatric HIV patients.
  • Early detection and intervention based on CD4% levels can help manage disease progression and improve outcomes.

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