Paediatric HIV: the experience in Ireland 2004-2011

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Paediatric HIV infection, despite prevention, remains a concern in Ireland.
• Understanding presentation and management barriers is crucial for improving care.
• Retrospective chart review to analyze cases from 2004-2011.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the presentation of paediatric HIV infection in Ireland.
• To identify barriers to optimal management of HIV-infected children.
• To inform targeted strategies for prevention and early diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of HIV-infected children presenting in Ireland between 2004 and 2011.
• Data collection on demographics, diagnosis timing, disease stage, and treatment exposure.
• Analysis of factors contributing to late diagnosis and management challenges.

Main Results:

• Forty-two children with HIV were identified; median age at presentation was 6 years.
• The majority (90%) were born to African mothers; 26% were born in Ireland.
• A significant proportion (59%) were diagnosed late, with 11 symptomatic cases.
• Foreign-born children often had antiretroviral exposure with resistance mutations.
• Children with advanced disease were frequently hospitalized before diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Late diagnosis of paediatric HIV is common, necessitating proactive testing strategies.
• Maternal factors like non-adherence and in-pregnancy seroconversion hinder eradication goals.
• Targeted interventions for at-risk pregnant women are essential.
• Improved antenatal screening and postnatal follow-up are required.