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Published on: October 12, 2018

Surgical implications of human immunodeficiency virus infections

Jonty Karpelowsky1, Alastair J W Millar

  • 1New Children's Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, Australia.

Seminars in Pediatric Surgery
|April 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric HIV infection poses significant surgical risks for children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV-exposed children also face increased surgical complications, with major procedures amplifying adverse outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of pediatric HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), with nearly all infected children globally residing there.
  • An increasing number of HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected children require surgical interventions for various reasons, including diagnosis, treatment of complications, or routine procedures.
  • HIV infection presents unique challenges alongside common pediatric surgical conditions, impacting patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the surgical implications of pediatric HIV infection.
  • To highlight the increased risk of complications and mortality associated with surgery in HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children.
  • To discuss the factors influencing surgical outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • This article provides a comprehensive review of existing literature and clinical data.
  • It synthesizes information on surgical conditions, complications, and outcomes in pediatric HIV patients.
  • The review examines factors such as elective vs. emergency procedures and procedure invasiveness.

Main Results:

  • HIV-infected children face a higher risk of surgical complications and mortality compared to HIV-unexposed children.
  • HIV exposure, even without infection, is associated with increased surgical risks for pediatric patients.
  • The risk of adverse surgical outcomes is elevated for major procedures, irrespective of whether the surgery is elective or an emergency.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric HIV infection significantly increases surgical risks, necessitating careful management and consideration of patient status.
  • Healthcare providers must be aware of the heightened vulnerability of HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children undergoing surgery.
  • Further research and tailored surgical protocols are crucial to mitigate adverse outcomes in pediatric HIV surgery.

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