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Pediatric HIV in Kano, Nigeria
P N Obiagwu1, F Hassan-Hanga, M Ibrahim
1Department of Paediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
|August 27, 2013
Summary
Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for reducing the impact of pediatric HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection persists as a critical public health issue globally.
- Despite declining seroprevalence rates, HIV in children requires ongoing attention and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of pediatric HIV infection in a hospital-based setting.
- To identify modes of transmission, clinical presentations, and outcomes in children with HIV.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, hospital-based study involving 160 children presenting for initial hospital care.
- Utilized physical examinations, rapid HIV antibody tests, virological confirmation for infants, and maternal HIV testing.
- Followed HIV-infected children for 6 months, analyzing data with SPSS 16.0.
Main Results:
- Confirmed HIV infection in 22 (13.8%) children, with a mean age of 26.9 months.
- Primary transmission routes included mother-to-child (63.6%) and group circumcision (22.7%).
- Common symptoms were fever (95.4%), cough/weight loss (77.3%), and diarrhea (59.1%); 18.2% had tuberculosis co-infection, and 63.6% presented with severe immunodeficiency. Mortality was 18.2% within 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis of pediatric HIV is essential for effective management.
- Prompt initiation of treatment can significantly mitigate the severity and impact of pediatric HIV infection.
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