Health Disparities Among Children Who Are HIV-Exposed but Without HIV: A Narrative Literature Review and Call to...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Children exposed to HIV but uninfected (HEU) exhibit increased health risks compared to unexposed children.
• These risks include higher rates of preterm birth, infections, mortality, immune dysfunction, poor growth, and neurodevelopmental delays.
• Mechanisms are complex, involving parental inflammation, altered immunity, in utero antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure, feeding practices, and socioeconomic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multifaceted health risks and underlying mechanisms in HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children.
• To identify factors contributing to transient and persistent health disparities in HEU children.
• To inform the development of strategies for optimizing the long-term health outcomes of HEU children.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review and synthesis of existing literature on HEU children's health.
• Analysis focuses on identifying etiological factors and long-term clinical implications.
• The study emphasizes the need for dedicated longitudinal research.

Main Results:

• HEU children face a spectrum of health challenges, some persisting into later life.
• Potential long-term risks include cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, and psychiatric disorders.
• Current understanding of underlying mechanisms requires further elucidation through dedicated research.

Conclusions:

• Persistent health disparities in HEU children necessitate further longitudinal investigation.
• Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Optimizing clinical management and interventions is essential for improving outcomes in this population.