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The many needs of the HIV-infected child
1Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
Insights
Perinatal HIV infection affects 25-35% of infants born to infected mothers. Advances in treatment allow more children with HIV to survive into adolescence, requiring new care strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Perinatal transmission accounts for a substantial proportion of pediatric HIV cases.
- Historically, pediatric HIV infection led to rapid disease progression and early mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the evolving landscape of pediatric HIV infection.
- To highlight the changing survival rates and age of presentation in children with HIV.
- To address the comprehensive needs of long-term survivors of perinatal HIV exposure.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review and discussion of existing literature and clinical observations.
- It synthesizes information on the medical, physical, and psychosocial aspects of pediatric HIV care.
- Focuses on the outcomes and care requirements for children surviving into adolescence.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of infants exposed to maternal HIV perinatally acquire the infection.
- HIV is a leading cause of death in children under 15.
- Improved medical interventions have shifted the prognosis, enabling many infected children to survive into their teenage years.
Conclusions:
- The long-term survival of children with perinatal HIV infection presents new challenges.
- Comprehensive care addressing medical, physical, and psychosocial needs is crucial for these survivors.
- Continued research and adaptation of care models are necessary to support adolescents and young adults living with HIV.
Abstract:
25% to 35% of infants exposed to maternal HIV during the perinatal period become infected. The virus is now the fifth leading cause of death in children under 15 years. Until recently, most infected children were symptomatic by age two and died by age six, but today many survive into their teens. The medical, physical, and psychosocial needs of these long-term survivors are discussed.