Lung function in HIV-infected children and adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric pulmonology
• Infectious diseases
• Public health

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a chronic condition for children and adolescents.
• Chronic lung disease is a significant comorbidity in HIV-infected adolescents.
• Lung function assessment is crucial for understanding and managing HIV-related lung disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review data on lung function abnormalities in perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents.
• To identify determinants of lung function impairment.
• To evaluate the impact of antiretroviral therapy on lung function.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of "PUBMED", "African wide", and "CINAHL" databases.
• Used MeSH terms: "Respiratory function", "HIV", "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome", "Children", "Adolescents".
• Included English language articles published between 1984 and 2017.

Main Results:

• Eighteen articles identified, encompassing 2051 HIV-infected participants (68% on antiretroviral therapy).
• HIV-infected participants showed increased irreversible lower airway obstruction and reduced aerobic function compared to controls.
• Factors associated with poor lung function included mosaic attenuation, bronchiectasis, prior tuberculosis, and persistent cough.

Conclusions:

• HIV-infected children and adolescents exhibit a high prevalence of lung function impairment.
• Predominant issues include irreversible lower airway obstruction and reduced aerobic function.
• Antiretroviral therapy may improve airway obstruction and aerobic impairment.