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Opportunistic Infections and Complications in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Infected Children: Correlation with
Jaivinder Yadav1, Sanjeev Nanda1, Deepak Sharma1
1Department of Paediatrics, Pt. B. D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Insights
Opportunistic infections in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increase as CD4 counts fall. Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves immune status, reducing complications and future infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children presents unique challenges, particularly concerning opportunistic infections.
- Immune status, assessed by CD4 counts, is critical for managing HIV-1 in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between opportunistic infections and immune status (CD4 count and percentage) in children with HIV-1.
- To evaluate the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on immune recovery and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 20 HIV-1 infected children (4-57 months) in India received HAART.
- Demographic data and baseline investigations were collected before HAART.
- Investigations were repeated after six months of HAART to assess changes in immune status and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Six months of HAART led to significant improvements in hemoglobin, weight, height, and CD4 counts.
- A notable enhancement in immune status, as per WHO grading, was observed post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Lower CD4 counts correlate with increased severity and frequency of opportunistic complications in pediatric HIV-1.
- Combined treatment of opportunistic infections and HAART promotes clinical and immunological recovery.
- CD4 count serves as a vital marker for assessing immune status and HAART efficacy in children; patient adherence is crucial for successful outcomes.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to ascertain the correlation between various opportunistic infections and complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected children and the immune status of these patients, evaluated by absolute cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count and CD4 percentage.
Methods:
This study was conducted from January 2009 to June 2010 at the Antiretroviral Treatment Centre of the Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, a tertiary care hospital in Rohtak, Haryana, in northern India. A total of 20 HIV-1-infected children aged 4-57 months were studied. Demographic and baseline investigations were performed prior to the start of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A fixed-dose combination of HAART was given based on the patient's weight. Baseline investigations were repeated after six months of HAART.
Results:
There was a significant increase in the patients' haemoglobin, weight, height and CD4 count after six months of HAART. Significant improvements (P <0.05) were also noted in the patients' immune status, graded according to the World Health Organization.
Conclusion:
This study observed that the severity and frequency of opportunistic complications in paediatric patients with HIV-1 increased with a fall in the CD4 count. The treatment of opportunistic infections, along with antiretroviral therapy, may lead to both clinical and immunological recovery as well as a decreased incidence of future opportunistic infections. The CD4 count may give treating physicians an initial idea about the immune status of each child and could also be used as a biological marker of HAART efficacy. Patient compliance must be ensured during HAART as this is a key factor in improving outcomes.
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