Increased risk of hospitalization among children who were HIV-exposed and uninfected compared to population controls

While studies have demonstrated increased morbidity and mortality risk in infancy among children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU), longitudinal data are limited. The objective of this study was to assess long-term risk of hospitalization among CHEU compared to children who are HIV-unexposed and uninfected (CHUU), and determine risk factors for hospitalization among CHEU.

A longitudinal cohort study (1988-2015) linking the Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA cohort (Montreal, Quebec) to administrative data from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), a universal health insurance provider in the province of Quebec.

CHEU from the CMIS cohort were matched 1 : 3 by age, sex, and postal code with CHUU controls from the RAMQ database. Incidence and causes of hospitalization between CHEU and CHUU were compared using Poisson regression.

Seven hundred twenty-six CHEU were matched to 2178 CHUU. Risk of first hospitalization was significantly higher among CHEU at 1 year (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.22 [1.86-2.66]), 5 years (IRR 1.62 [1.39-1.90]), and over the lifespan (IRR 1.55 [1.33-1.81]). Among CHEU, significant risk factors for hospitalization on univariate regression analysis included birth year before 2005, prematurity, small for gestational age (SGA), detectable maternal viral load (dVL) at delivery, and maternal hepatitis C co-infection. In the adjusted analysis, small for gestational age and dVL remained significant risk factors.

CHEU had a higher rate of hospitalization than CHUU controls across their lifespan. Significant risk factors included SGA and detectable maternal dVL, suggesting a need for enhanced pediatric care for these children.