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HIV infection in children: sizing up the paediatric problem
1Institute of Child Health, London.
Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases are rising in the USA due to heterosexual transmission. An increase in HIV-positive women in the UK suggests a future rise in perinatal HIV infections, impacting pediatric services.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Rising cases of pediatric AIDS in the USA linked to heterosexual transmission.
- Geographic distribution of perinatal AIDS in the USA correlates with female HIV cases.
- Over 500 HIV-positive women reported in the UK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in pediatric AIDS cases.
- To project the impact of increasing HIV in women on perinatal infections.
- To assess the future burden on pediatric services.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported pediatric AIDS cases in the USA.
- Correlation of geographic distribution of perinatal AIDS with female HIV cases.
- Monitoring of HIV-positive women in the UK.
Main Results:
- Increasing pediatric AIDS cases in the USA.
- HIV spread to the heterosexual community.
- Anticipated rise in perinatal HIV infections in the UK.
Conclusions:
- Increasing numbers of HIV-positive women will likely lead to more perinatal HIV infections.
- While blood transfusion infections are controlled, symptomatic transfusion-infected children will increase the demand on pediatric services.