Immune and Metabolic Alterations in Children with Perinatal HIV Exposure

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Immunology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Mother-to-child HIV transmission is declining due to prevention programs.
• The number of children exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in utero (HIV-exposed-but-uninfected or CHEU) is increasing.
• CHEU children exhibit health disparities compared to HIV-unexposed-and-uninfected (CHUU) children, including immune dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the proposed link between immunometabolic aberrations and clinical pathologies in CHEU children.
• To highlight the significance of immune and metabolic alterations in CHEU children.
• To emphasize the healthcare needs of CHEU children, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on immunometabolic alterations and clinical outcomes in CHEU children.
• Analysis of existing research on health disparities in CHEU populations.
• Synthesis of findings to inform healthcare providers and policymakers.

Main Results:

• CHEU children display immune dysfunction, increased inflammation, cognitive and metabolic abnormalities.
• These disparities contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in CHEU children.
• The underlying reasons for these health disparities are not fully understood but are linked to in utero exposure to HIV and ART.

Conclusions:

• Immunometabolic aberrations are a significant factor contributing to the health disparities observed in CHEU children.
• Understanding these long-term risks is crucial for effective healthcare management and policy development.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these disparities and to develop targeted interventions.