Opportunistic and other infections in HIV-infected children in Latin America compared to a similar cohort in the United States

Incidence and predictors of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy at public health facilities of Southwest Ethiopia People Regional State, 2023: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic infections (OIs) pose a significant threat to children infected with HIV. Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), these infections continue to be a public health concern. However, there is limited evidence regarding the incidence and predictors of OIs among HIV-infected children in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the incidence and predictors of OIs among HIV-infected children on ART at public health facilities of Southwest Ethiopia People Regional State.

METHODS

The study employed an institution-based retrospective cohort design, conducted from July 1, 2018 to July 31, 2023, among HIV-infected children aged less than 15 years. Data were extracted using the national ART intake and follow-up forms. KoboCollect version 2023.2.4 and STATA version 14.0 were used for data collection and analysis, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the probability of OI-free survival time. Variables with P-value < 0.25 in the bivariable Cox proportional hazard model were selected as candidates. In multivariable analysis, P-value < 0.05 and adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare statistically significant predictors.

RESULTS

Of the total 409 HIV infected children, 122(29.8%) developed at least one OI, contributing to 954.95 person-years of risk. The overall incidence rate was 12.8 (95% CI: 10.7, 15.2) per 100 person-years. The OI-free survival probability at the end of the follow-up period was 0.277(95% CI: 0.139, 0.434). The commonest OI was pulmonary tuberculosis, 30.33% (95% CI: 22.7, 39.2). Non-disclosing HIV status (AHR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.42, 4.63), children aged 10-14 years (AHR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10, 4.95), no history of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (AHR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.66), hemoglobin level < 10 mg/dL (AHR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.75), fair or poor adherence to ART (AHR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.79), and having past history of OIs (AHR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.55) were statistically significant predictors of OIs.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The incidence of OIs was high in the study area. Hence, health facilities need to regularly monitor hemoglobin, enhance ART adherence, provide OI prophylaxis for at-risk children, reinforce PMTCT programs for early OI detection and management, and encourage timely and age-appropriate HIV status disclosure. Caregivers of HIV-infected children are also required to oversee and assist their children in adhering to the ART.

Incidence and predictors of common opportunistic infections among children living with HIV at Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Despite the dramatic decline in the incidence of common opportunistic infections (OIs) after antiretroviral therapy initiation, they remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children with HIV. For better interventions, information regarding the incidence and predictors of common OIs is essential for Children living with HIV. Still, there is a lack of studies in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the incidence and predictors of common OIs among Children living with HIV on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at public health institutions in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. The reasons for excluding children not on ART is we want to study the effectiveness of chronic HIV care service, ART drugs and OIs prophylaxis drugs for the prevention of common OIs because it is obvious that the occurrence of OIs in children not on ART and OIs prophylaxis drugs is high. A health institution-based retrospective cohort study was done among 403 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected children at public health institutions in Bahir Dar City from 2010 to 2020. Data was entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14.0. A bivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression model was employed to appreciate the relationship between each explanatory variable with the outcome variable. In the bivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were candidates for the multivariable proportional hazard model. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of common opportunistic infections at a 5% significance level. The overall incidence rate of common opportunistic infections was 7.06 with a 95% confidence interval ((CI) 5.78, 9.75) per 100 person-years of observation. Statically significant predictors were World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage III and IV (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.90; (95% CI 1.34, 2.75), having fair/poor adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (AHR) = 1.80; (95% CI 1.25, 2.94) and hemoglobin level < 10 g/dl (AHR) = 2.00; (95% CI 1.36, 2.89). The overall incidence rate of common OIs among children living with HIV on ART was high. Independent predictors of common OIs among children on ART were advanced-stage of HIV disease, poor ART adherence, and lower hemoglobin level. Therefore, we recommend strongly working on the prevention of advanced stages of HIV disease and improving poor ART adherence to prevent the incidence of OIs among children living with HIV on ART.

Predictors for the incidence of pneumonia among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) infected children are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. Particularly, in the early phase of HIV infection, the risk of acquiring pneumonia is high, and it remains a major public health problem even after the test and treatment strategy. There is no clear evidence of the overall incidence of pneumonia among HIV-infected children in Amhara region. Aimed to assess the incidence of pneumonia and its predictors among HIV-infected children receiving Antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, 2022.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective follow-up study was conducted from June 10, 2014, to February 28, 2022, among 430 HIV-positive children receiving antiretroviral therapy. A simple random sampling technique was used. The data was taken from the national antiretroviral intake and follow-up forms. The data were collected via the KoBo toolbox and analyzed using Stata version 17. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were employed. Bivariable and multivariable Cox regression was carried out to identify predictors of pneumonia and a P-value < 0.05 was considered significant in to multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 407 children with a record completeness rate of 94.7% were analyzed in the study. The incidence rate of pneumonia was 4.55 (95% CI; 3.5, 5.92) per 100 person-years observation. The mean survival time was 77.67 months and the total times at risk during follow-up period were yielding 1229.33 person-year observations. Having CD4 cell count below threshold [AHR; 2.71 (95% CI: 1.37, 5.35)], WHO stage III and IV [AHR: 2.17 (95% CI: 1.15, 4.08)], ever had fair and poor treatment adherence [AHR: 2.66 (95% CI: 1.45, 4.89)], and not initiated antiretroviral therapy within seven days [AHR: 2.35 (95% CI: 1.15, 4.78)] were the positive predictors for incidence of Pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the incidence of pneumonia was lower than the previous studies. CD4 cells below the threshold, ever had fair and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, WHO stage III and IV, and not initiated antiretroviral therapy within seven days were significant predictors. Therefore,, it is crucial to detect baseline assessment and give attention to those identified predictors promptly, and timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy need special attention.

Predictors of a high incidence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy at Amhara regional state comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia: A multicenter institution-based retrospective follow-up study

Introduction

Globally, opportunistic infections are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected children, contributing to more than 90% of HIV-related deaths. In 2014, Ethiopia launched and began to implement a "test and treat" strategy aiming to reduce the burden of opportunistic infections. Despite this intervention, opportunistic infections continue to be a serious public health issue, with limited evidence available on their overall incidence among HIV-infected children in the study area.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the incidence of opportunistic infections and to identify predictors of their occurrence among HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy at Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in 2022.

Methods

A multicenter, institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 472 HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy at Amhara Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals from May 17 to June 15, 2022. Children receiving antiretroviral therapy were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using national antiretroviral intake and follow-up forms via the KoBo Toolbox. STATA 16 was used for data analyses, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate probabilities of opportunistic infection-free survival. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to identify significant predictors. A P-value <0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Medical records from a total of 452 children (representing a completeness rate of 95.8%) were included and analyzed in the study. The overall incidence of opportunistic infections among children receiving ART was 8.64 per 100 person-years of observation. The predictors of elevated incidence of opportunistic infections were: a CD4 cell count below a specified threshold [AHR: 2.34 (95% CI: 1.45, 3.76)]; co-morbidity of anemia [AHR: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.67)]; ever having exhibited only fair or poor adherence to ART drugs [AHR: 2.31 (95% CI: 1.47, 3.63)]; never having taken tuberculosis-preventive therapy [AHR: 1.95 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.99)]; and not having initiated antiretroviral therapy within 7 days of HIV diagnosis [AHR: 1.82 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.96)].

Conclusion

In this study, the incidence of opportunistic infections was high. Early initiation antiretroviral therapy has direct effect on boosting the immunity, suppressing viral replications and increases the CD4 count, so that the occurrence of opportunistic infection will reduce the incidence of OIs.

Severe Recurrent Bacterial Pneumonia Among Children Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

Bacterial pneumonia imparts a major morbidity and mortality burden on children living with HIV, yet effective prevention and treatment options are underutilized. We explored clinical factors associated with severe recurrent bacterial pneumonia among children living with HIV.

METHODS

Children enrolled in the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database were included if they started antiretroviral therapy (ART) on or after January 1st, 2008. Factors associated with severe recurrent bacterial pneumonia were assessed using competing-risk regression.

RESULTS

A total of 3,944 children were included in the analysis; 136 cases of severe recurrent bacterial pneumonia were reported at a rate of 6.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.5-7.7] events per 1,000 patient-years. Clinical factors associated with severe recurrent bacterial pneumonia were younger age [adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (aHR): 4.4 for <5 years versus ≥10 years, 95% CI: 2.2-8.4, P < 0.001], lower weight-for-age z-score (aHR: 1.5 for <-3.0 versus >-2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3, P = 0.024), pre-ART diagnosis of severe recurrent bacterial pneumonia (aHR: 4.0 versus no pre-ART diagnosis, 95% CI: 2.7-5.8, P < 0.001), past diagnosis of symptomatic lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis or chronic HIV-associated lung disease, including bronchiectasis (aHR: 4.8 versus no past diagnosis, 95% CI: 2.8-8.4, P < 0.001), low CD4% (aHR: 3.5 for <10% versus ≥25%, 95% CI: 1.9-6.4, P < 0.001) and detectable HIV viral load (aHR: 2.6 versus undetectable, 95% CI: 1.2-5.9, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Children <10-years-old and those with low weight-for-age, a history of respiratory illness, low CD4% or poorly controlled HIV are likely to gain the greatest benefit from targeted prevention and treatment programs to reduce the burden of bacterial pneumonia in children living with HIV.

Incidence of Pneumonia and Predictors Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Children at Public Health Institutions in the Northwest Part of Ethiopia: Multicenter Retrospective Follow-Up Study

Introduction

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung parenchymal structure secondary to hematogens spread of pathogens, inhalation, or aspiration. It is also one of the most frequently occurring opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children. In Ethiopia, data on the incidence and predictors of opportunistic infection, especially pneumonia, among HIV-infected children is very limited. Hence, this study aimed to assess the incidence of pneumonia and predictors among HIV-infected children at public health institutions in the Northwest part of Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 342 HIV-infected children at public health institutions from January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2020. Log rank test was used to compare the survival curves between different explanatory variables. Bivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed for each explanatory variable to check the association with the outcome variable. Variables found to have a p-value of < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were candidates for the multi-variable proportional hazard model. Cox proportional hazards model was used at 5% level of significance to identify predictors of pneumonia.

Results

This study included 342 records of HIV-infected children who started antiretroviral therapy between the periods of January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2020. The overall incidence rate of pneumonia during the follow-up time was 5.57 (95% CI: 4.4, 7.0) per 100 child-years of observation. Those children who did not take cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (AHR: 3, 95% CI: 1.40, 6.44), being underweight at baseline (AHR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.41, 4.86), having baseline advanced disease (clinical stages III and IV) (AHR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.04), and presenting with recently detected viral load (AHR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.53, 14.06), were more likely to develop pneumonia.

Conclusion

Pneumonia incidence rate was high. Providing prophylaxis and nutritional supplementation for those children with baseline advanced disease stage, low weight for age and detectable viral load would reduce pneumonia occurrence.

Incidence and Predictors of Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Children Who Received Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Northwest Ethiopia: A Multicenter Historical Cohorts Study 2009–2019

The human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is the strongest risk factor for endogenous reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) through target reduction of CD4, T-lymphocytes, and cellular immune function. Almost one-third of deaths among people living with HIV are attributed to tuberculosis. Despite this evidence, in Ethiopia, information is scarce and meager regarding PTB incidence after ART initiated for seropositive children. Methods. Facility-based multicenter historical cohort was conducted among 721 seropositive children after initiating ART from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2019. Data from the records of children were extracted using a standardized checklist. The collected data were entered using Epi-Data version 4.2 and exported to STATA (SE) R-14 version statistical soft wares for further analysis. Bivariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of PTB incidence. Results. Seven hundred twenty-one (N = 721) seropositive children were included with a mean (±SD) age of 118.4 ± 38.24 months. During the follow-up periods, 63 (15.2%) participants developed new cases of TB; majority (61/63, 96.8%) of them were PTB. The overall incidence rate and the median (±IQR) time of PTB reported were determined as 5.86 per 100 child years (95% CI: 4.58, 7.5) and 17.8 (±11) months, respectively. At baseline, children being severely stunted (AHR = 2.9 : 95% CI, 1.2–7.8, P=0.03), with Hgb ≤10 mg/dl (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI, 2.1–8.1, P=0.001), and not given isoniazid and cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (AHR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2; 5.1, P=0.001) (AHR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.7, P=0.021) were significantly associated with PTB incidence. Conclusion. A high incidence rate of PTB was observed in our study as compared with the previous finding in Ethiopia. Cases at baseline not taking IPT and CPT, being severely stunted, and having low hemoglobin (≤10 mg/dl) levels were found to be at higher risk of developing PTB.

Time to Develop and Predictors for Incidence of Tuberculosis among Children Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Infection by the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is the strongest risk factor for latent or new infection of tuberculosis (TB) through reduction of CD4 T-lymphocytes and cellular immune function. Almost one-third of deaths among people living with HIV are attributed to tuberculosis. Despite this evidence, in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of information regarding the incidence of tuberculosis for children living with HIV. Thus, this study assessed time to develop and predictors for incidence of tuberculosis in children attending HIV/AIDS care in public hospitals: North West Ethiopia 2021. Methods. A facility-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 421 seropositive children on antiretroviral therapy in two hospitals between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020. EPI-DATA version 3.2 and STATA/14 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Tuberculosis-free survival time was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Bivariate and multivariable Cox regression model was fitted to identify predictors at a P value <0.05 within 95% CI. Results. In the final analysis, a total of 421 seropositive children were included, of whom, 64 (15.2%) developed tuberculosis at the time of follow-up. The mean (±SD) age of the children was 10.62 ± 3.32 years, with a median (IQR) time to develop TB that was 23.5 (IQR = ±19) months. This study found that the incidence of tuberculosis was 5.9 (95% CI: 4.7; 7.6) per 100 person-years (PY) risk of observation. Cases at baseline not taking cotrimoxazol preventive therapy (CPT) (AHR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.7, P < 0.021), being severely stunted (AHR = 2.9: 95% CI, 1.2-7.8, P < 0.03), and having low hemoglobin level (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI, 2.1-8.1, P < 0.001) were found to be predictors of tuberculosis. Conclusion. A higher rate of tuberculosis incidence was reported in our study as compared with previous studies in Ethiopia. Cases at baseline not taking cotrimoxazol preventive therapy (CPT), being severely stunted, and having low hemoglobin (≤10 mg/dl) levels were found to be at higher risk to developed TB incidence.

Incidence of advanced opportunistic infection and its predictors among HIV infected children at Debre Tabor referral Hospital and University of Gondar Compressive specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A multicenter retrospective follow-up study

Background

This study is aimed to assess the incidence of advanced opportunistic infections (OIs) and its predictors among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected children at Debre Tabor referral Hospital and University of Gondar Compressive specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted from June 1, 2010, to May 30, 2020. A total of 349 children under the age of 15 who had received Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) were included in the study. Data were entered into Epi info version 7.2 and then exported to Stata 14.0 for analysis. Kaplan Meier curve and Log-rank test were used to determine the median survival time and the discrepancy of different categorical variables. The Cox regression model was used to identify the predictors of advanced opportunistic infections. The Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare statistical significance.

Result

The incidence rate of advanced opportunistic infection was 5.53 per 100 (95% CI: 4.7, 6.9) Person per year observation (PYO). The median survival time was 113 months and the total follow-up periods were yielding 18882 months. Children presenting with treatment failure, Cotrimoxazole Preventive Therapy (CPT) non-user, low hemoglobin level (<10 mg/dl), and poor/fair level of adherence to ART were less free survival time as compared to their counterparts for advanced opportunistic infections.

Conclusion

In this study, the median of advanced OIs free survival time was found to be low and the incidence rate was found to be high. The incidence advanced OIs was associated with anemia, treatment failure, and poor/fair level of adherence, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy non-users. Further research should conduct to evaluate and to improve the quality of care in the study area.

Oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy

Human immunodeficiency virus has plagued mankind since the 1980's when the first case was documented. Human immunodeficiency virus-induced immunocompromised state can lead to several systemic and local manifestations, which often culminates in mortality. Oral candidiasis was one of the most prevalent opportunistic infections noted in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has led to a significant reduction in both the mortality and the morbidity of infected patients. The combined antiretroviral therapy has also led to a decrease in the incidence of opportunistic infections including oral candidiasis. Thus, the presence of well-established oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy could be considered as an indicator of potential treatment failure. The present manuscript aims to review the published literature assessing the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the incidence of oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Incidence of common opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on ART at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For better treatments and interventions, current and up-to-date information concerning occurrence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children is crucial. However, studies regarding the incidence of common opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children in Ethiopia are very limited. Hence, this study aimed to determine the incidence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Debre Markos Referral Hospital.

Methods

A facility-based retrospective cohort study was undertaken at Debre Markos Referral Hospital for the period of January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2019. A total of 408 HIV-infected children receiving ART were included. Data from HIV-infected children charts were extracted using a data extraction form adapted from ART entry and follow-up forms. Data were entered using Epi-data™ Version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata™ Version 14. The Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to estimate the opportunistic infections free survival time. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to identify the predictors of opportunistic infections.

Results

This study included the records of 408 HIV-infected children-initiated ART between the periods of January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2019. The overall incidence rate of opportunistic infections during the follow-up time was 9.7 (95% CI: 8.13, 11.48) per 100 child-years of observation. Tuberculosis at 29.8% was the most commonly encountered OI at follow-up. Children presenting with advanced disease stage (III and IV) (AHR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.7), having “fair” or “poor” ART adherence (AHR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 3.8), not taking OI prophylaxis (AHR:1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4), and CD4 count or % below the threshold (AHR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6) were at a higher risk of developing opportunistic infections.

Conclusions

In this study, the incidence rate of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children remained high. Concerning predictors, such as advanced disease stage (III and IV), CD4 count or % below the threshold, “fair” or “poor” ART adherence, and not taking past OI prophylaxis were found to be significantly associated with OIs.

Incidence of tuberculosis in children on antiretroviral therapy: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Be aware of the burden of tuberculosis among high-risk population is important. Three hundred fifty-two children were participated in this study. Survival analysis was conducted. We assessed the incidence of tuberculosis and its predictors in children on ART.

Results

Tuberculosis incidence rate in children on ART was 2.63 per 100 person-years. Those children who were on baseline World Health Organization clinical stages 3 and 4 (AHR (adjusted hazard ratio) = 3.0; 95% CI 1.2–7.7), “fair” and “poor” ART adherence (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.5–10.8), late initiation of ART (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.5–10.6), and less than 6 months duration on ART (AHR = 5.5; 95% CI 1.5–20.6) were more likely to develop tuberculosis infection. The incidence rate of TB in children on ART was high. This study suggests a need to give attention to advanced AIDS stages and improve timely initiation of ART and level of adherence to ART.

Morbidity and Mortality of a Cohort of Peruvian HIV-infected Children 2003-2012

BACKGROUND

Data on pediatric HIV in Peru are limited. The National Institute of Child Health (Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño: INSN) cares for the most HIV-infected children under the age of 18 years in the country. We describe the outcomes of children seen at INSN's HIV clinic over the 10 years when antiretroviral therapy and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions became available in 2004.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of INSN HIV clinic patients between 2003 and 2012. Deidentified data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 280 children were included: 50.0% (140/280) were male; 80.0% (224/280) lived in metropolitan Lima. Perinatal transmission was the mode of HIV infection in 91.4% (256/280) of children. Only 17% (32/191) of mothers were known to be HIV-infected at delivery; of these mothers, 41% (13/32) were receiving antiretroviral therapy at delivery, 72% (23/32) delivered by Cesarean section and 47% (15/32) of their infants received antiretroviral prophylaxis. Median age at HIV diagnosis for all children was 35.7 months (interquartile range 14.5-76.8 months), and 67% (143/213) had advanced disease (clinical stage C). After HIV diagnosis, the most frequent hospitalization discharge diagnoses were bacterial pneumonia, chronic malnutrition, diarrhea, anemia and tuberculosis. Twenty-four patients (8.6%) died at a median age of 77.4 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Most cases of pediatric HIV were acquired via perinatal transmission; few mothers were diagnosed before delivery; and among mothers with known HIV status, PMTCT was suboptimal even after national PMTCT policy was implemented. Most children were diagnosed with advanced disease. These findings underscore the need for improving early pediatric HIV diagnosis and treatment, as well as PMTCT strategies.

Impact of periodontal intervention on local inflammation, periodontitis, and HIV outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine active periodontal disease status in HIV and to determine the impact of periodontal disease resolution on HIV status.

METHODS

In this longitudinal cohort study, 73 HIV-positive subjects received comprehensive dental care. AAP, CDC/AAP, and BGI case definitions determined periodontal classification. Likelihood and frequency of moderate/severe periodontal disease were assessed based on demographic variables. The influence of periodontal intervention was assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 months. IL-6 was measured in a subset of subjects.

RESULTS

Of the periodontal classifications, BGI demonstrated the highest percentage category improvement with the intervention (>50%). Moderate/severe periodontitis was positively associated with HIV regardless of race, smoking status, gender, income level, and age, and was associated with increased IL-6. At baseline, the majority of subjects had severe periodontal disease regardless of ART status. Subjects with suppressed viral load at baseline demonstrated a significant improvement in BGI classification (P = 0.026), increased CD4 counts (P = 0.027), and decreased IL-6 levels (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal inflammation was prevalent regardless of ART status. In virologically suppressed subjects, the intervention decreased periodontitis with a concomitant IL-6 decrease and CD4 increase. These findings suggest a relationship between periodontal inflammation, oral microbial translocation, and HIV status.

The impact of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on TB risk in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Children (<15 years) are vulnerable to TB disease following infection, but no systematic review or meta-analysis has quantified the effects of HIV-related immunosuppression or antiretroviral therapy (ART) on their TB incidence.

OBJECTIVES

Determine the impact of HIV infection and ART on risk of incident TB disease in children.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and Embase for studies measuring HIV prevalence in paediatric TB cases ('TB cohorts') and paediatric HIV cohorts reporting TB incidence ('HIV cohorts'). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. TB cohorts with controls were meta-analysed to determine the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for TB given HIV. HIV cohort data were meta-analysed to estimate the trend in log-IRR versus CD4%, relative incidence by immunological stage and ART-associated protection from TB.

RESULTS

42 TB cohorts and 22 HIV cohorts were included. In the eight TB cohorts with controls, the IRR for TB was 7.9 (95% CI 4.5 to 13.7). HIV-infected children exhibited a reduction in IRR of 0.94 (95% credible interval: 0.83-1.07) per percentage point increase in CD4%. TB incidence was 5.0 (95% CI 4.0 to 6.0) times higher in children with severe compared with non-significant immunosuppression. TB incidence was lower in HIV-infected children on ART (HR: 0.30; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.39). Following initiation of ART, TB incidence declined rapidly over 12 months towards a HR of 0.10 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV is a potent risk factor for paediatric TB, and ART is strongly protective. In HIV-infected children, early diagnosis and ART initiation reduces TB risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42014014276.

Prevalence of oral candidiasis in HIV/AIDS children in highly active antiretroviral therapy era. A literature analysis

SummaryHighly active antiretroviral therapy has decreased the morbidity and mortality related to HIV infection, including oral opportunistic infections. This paper offers an analysis of the scientific literature on the epidemiological aspects of oral candidiasis in HIV-positive children in the combination antiretroviral therapy era. An electronic databases search was made covering the highly active antiretroviral therapy era (1998 onwards). The terms used were oral lesions, oral candidiasis and their combination with highly active antiretroviral therapy and HIV/AIDS children. The following data were collected from each paper: year and country in which the investigation was conducted, antiretroviral treatment, oral candidiasis prevalence and diagnostic parameters (clinical or microbiological). Prevalence of oral candidiasis varied from 2.9% in American HIV-positive children undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy to 88% in Chilean HIV-positive children without antiretroviral therapy. With respect to geographical location and antiretroviral treatment, higher oral candidiasis prevalence in HIV-positive children on combination antiretroviral therapy/antiretroviral therapy was reported in African children (79.1%) followed by 45.9% reported in Hindu children. In HIV-positive Chilean children on no antiretroviral therapy, high oral candidiasis prevalence was reported (88%) followed by Nigerian children (80%). Oral candidiasis is still frequent in HIV-positive children in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era irrespective of geographical location, race and use of antiretroviral therapy.

Incidence of pneumococcal and varicella disease in HIV-infected children and adolescents in the United Kingdom and Ireland, 1996-2011

BACKGROUND

To define the burden of hospitalization due to 2 vaccine-preventable infections, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and varicella zoster (VZ), among HIV-infected children in the UK and Ireland.

METHODS

Analysis of hospitalizations of HIV-infected children <18 years receiving pediatric care and reported to the Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study (CHIPS) between 1996 and 2011.

RESULTS

Admissions for IPD and VZ combined accounted for ~5% of all hospital admissions for HIV-infected children each year. When compared with background rates for healthy children, the admission rate ratio for HIV-infected children on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) was 16.7, 14.8 and 126.7 for IPD, varicella and herpes zoster, respectively, and 156.7, 86.1 and 470, respectively, for HIV-infected children not on cART. Those admitted with IPD or VZ were more likely to have Centers for Disease Control stage B/C at presentation with HIV than those without such admissions (36.8% for IPD, 29.7% for VZ and 22.1% for no IPD or VZ, P = 0.006), and were more likely to subsequently commence cART (94.7%, 91.3% and 80.2% respectively, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear increased risk of admission with IPD or VZ in HIV-infected compared with uninfected children, magnified in those who have not yet commenced cART. It is anticipated that the introduction of new guidelines will result in improved vaccine uptake and thereby reduce the burden of IPD and VZ disease. Subsequent evaluation will assess the impact of these guidelines.

HIV-Care Outcome in Saudi Arabia; a Longitudinal Cohort

Background

Clinical characteristics of HIV-1 infection in people inhabiting Western, Sub-Saharan African, and South-East Asian countries are well recognized. However, very little information is available with regard to HIV-1 infection and treatment outcome in MENA countries including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

Methods

Clinical, demographic and epidemiologic characteristics of 602 HIV-1 infected patients followed in the adult Infectious Diseases Clinic of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a tertiary referral center were longitudinally collected from 1989 to 2010.

Results

Of the 602 HIV-1 infected patients in this observation period, 70% were male. The major mode of HIV-1 transmission was heterosexual contact (55%). At diagnosis, opportunistic infections were found in 49% of patients, most commonly being pneumocysitis. AIDS associated neoplasia was also noted in 6% of patients. A hundred and forty-seven patients (24%) died from the cohort by the end of the observation period. The mortality rate peaked in 1992 at 90 deaths per 1000 person-year, whereas the mortality rate gradually decreased to <1% from 1993-2010. In 2010, 71% of the patients were receiving highly active retroviral therapy.

Conclusions

These data describe the clinical characteristic of HIV-1-infected patients at a major tertiary referral hospital in KSA over a 20-year period. Initiation of antiretroviral therapy resulted in a significant reduction in both morbidity and mortality. Future studies are needed in the design and implementation of targeted treatment and prevention strategies for HIV-1 infection in KSA.

Pediatric sepsis: important considerations for diagnosing and managing severe infections in infants, children, and adolescents

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in children worldwide. Although the diagnosis and management of sepsis in infants and children is largely influenced by studies done in adults, there are important considerations relevant for pediatrics. This article highlights pediatric-specific issues related to the definition of sepsis and its epidemiology and management. We review how the capacity of the immune system to respond to infection develops over early life. We also bring attention to primary immune deficiencies that should be considered in children recurrently infected with specific types of organisms. The management of pediatric sepsis must be tailored to the child’s age and immune capacity, and to the site, severity, and source of the infection. It is important for clinicians to be aware of infection-related syndromes that primarily affect children. Although children in developed countries are more likely to survive severe infections than adults, many survivors have chronic health impairments.

Understanding the contribution of common childhood illnesses and opportunistic infections to morbidity and mortality in children living with HIV in resource-limited settings

OBJECTIVE

Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced the incidence of HIV-related opportunistic infections among children living with HIV, access to ART remains limited for children, especially in resource-limited settings. This paper reviews current knowledge on the contribution of opportunistic infections and common childhood illnesses to morbidity and mortality in children living with HIV, highlights interventions known to improve the health of children, and identifies research gaps for further exploration.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Literature review of peer-reviewed articles and abstracts combined with expert opinion and operational experience.

RESULTS

Morbidity and mortality due to opportunistic infections has decreased in both developed and resource-limited countries. However, the burden of HIV-related infections remains high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of HIV-infected children live. Limitations in diagnostic capacity in resource-limited settings have resulted in a relative paucity of data on opportunistic infections in children. Additionally, the reliance on clinical diagnosis means that opportunistic infections are often confused with common childhood illnesseswhich also contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these children. Although several preventive interventions have been shown to decrease opportunistic infection-related mortality, implementation of many of these interventions remains inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to reduce opportunistic infection-related mortality, early ART must be expanded, training for front-line clinicians must be improved, and additional research is needed to improve screening and diagnostic algorithms.

Retroperitoneal aspergilloma

We report a previously healthy 8-year-old boy who presented to the hospital with a palpable abdominal mass, fever and abdominal pain. CT and MRI scans confirmed a large mass that was centered in the retroperitoneum. The lesion was biopsied and the histology showed branching hyphae. Tissue cultures grew Aspergillus fumigatus and a diagnosis of aspergilloma was made. The immunological work-up did not reveal an immunodeficiency. This case is a unique presentation of aspergilloma presenting in an unusual location and in an immunocompetent patient.

The changing epidemiology of the global paediatric HIV epidemic: keeping track of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents

The global paediatric HIV epidemic is shifting into a new phase as children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) move into adolescence and adulthood, and face new challenges of living with HIV. UNAIDS reports that 3.4 million children aged below 15 years and 2 million adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years have HIV. Although the vast majority of children were perinatally infected, older children are combined with behaviourally infected adolescents and youth in global reporting, making it difficult to keep track of their outcomes. Perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) are a highly unique patient sub-population, having been infected before development of their immune systems, been subject to suboptimal ART options and formulations, and now face transition from complete dependence on adult caregivers to becoming their own caregivers. As we are unable to track long-term complications and survival of PHIVA through national and global reporting systems, local and regional cohorts are the main sources for surveillance and research among PHIVA. This global review will utilize those data to highlight the epidemiology of PHIVA infection, treatment challenges and chronic disease risks. Unless mechanisms are created to count and separate out PHIVA outcomes, we will have few opportunities to characterize the negative consequences of life-long HIV infection in order to find ways to prevent them.

Morbidity after antiretroviral therapy initiation in HIV-1-infected children in West Africa: temporal trends and relation to CD4 count

BACKGROUND

Although 90% of HIV-1-infected children live in sub-Saharan Africa, morbidity data after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation in these settings are limited. The objective of this study was to document the incidence of AIDS-defining events and non-AIDS-defining diseases in African children receiving HAART.

METHODS

Incidences rates (IRs) of AIDS-defining events and 10 other common diseases were estimated overall and by current CD4-strata (<15%, 15 - <25% and ≥25%) from 2 prospective cohorts of African children.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-eight children contributing to 355 children-years were included. The documented morbidity IRs per 100 children-years were upper respiratory infections, 100 (87-114); infectious diarrhea, 37 (31-44); World Health Organization (WHO) stage 2 events, 22.9 (18.2-28.1); and WHO stage 3/4 events, 12.3 (9.1-16.7). IRs of WHO stage 2 events, severe bacterial infections, infectious diarrhea and pneumonia decreased linearly across all CD4%-strata, whereas WHO stage 3/4 events and viral infections occurred mostly when CD4% <15%. Overall, IRs decreased during the first 2 years on HAART except for upper respiratory infection, mycosis and oral candidiasis.

CONCLUSION

This incidence of AIDS- and non-AIDS-defining diseases declined substantially after HAART in 2 African cohorts, although estimates remained high compared with high-resource settings. Without renewed efforts to increase antiretroviral scale-up, children in developing countries will continue to have a high burden of infections.

Antiviral resistance and correlates of virologic failure in the first cohort of HIV-infected children gaining access to structured antiretroviral therapy in Lima, Peru: a cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

The impact of extended use of ART in developing countries has been enormous. A thorough understanding of all factors contributing to the success of antiretroviral therapy is required. The current study aims to investigate the value of cross-sectional drug resistance monitoring using DNA and RNA oligonucleotide ligation assays (OLA) in treatment cohorts in low-resource settings. The study was conducted in the first cohort of children gaining access to structured ART in Peru.

METHODS

Between 2002-5, 46 eligible children started the standard regimen of AZT, 3TC and NFV Patients had a median age of 5.6 years (range: 0.7-14y), a median viral load of 1.7·105 RNA/ml (range: 2.1·10(3) - 1.2·10(6)), and a median CD4-count of 232 cells/μL (range: 1-1591). Of these, 20 patients were classified as CDC clinical category C and 31/46 as CDC immune category 3. At the time of cross-sectional analysis in 2005, adherence questionnaires were administered. DNA OLAs and RNA OLAs were performed from frozen PBMC and plasma, RNA genotyping from dried blood spots.

RESULTS

During the first year of ART, 44% of children experienced virologic failure, with an additional 9% failing by the end of the second year. Virologic failure was significantly associated with the number of resistance mutations detected by DNA-OLA (p < 0.001) during cross-sectional analysis, but also with low immunologic CDC-scores at baseline (p < 0.001). Children who had been exposed to unsupervised short-term antiretrovirals before starting structured ART showed significantly higher numbers of resistance mutations by DNA-OLA (p = 0.01). Detection of M184V (3TC resistance) by RNA-OLA and DNA-OLA demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.93 and 0.86 and specificity of 0.67 and 0.7, respectively, for the identification of virologic failure. The RT mutations N88D and L90M (NFV resistance) detected by DNA-OLA correlated with virologic failure, whereas mutations at RT position 215 (AZT resistance) were not associated with virologic failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced immunosuppression at baseline and previous exposures to unsupervised brief cycles of ART significantly impaired treatment outcomes at a time when structured ART was finally introduced in his cohort. Brief maternal exposures to with AZT +/- NVP for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission did not affect treatment outcomes in this group of children. DNA-OLA from frozen PBMC provided a highly specific tool to detect archived drug resistance. RNA consensus genotyping from dried blood spots and RNA-OLA from plasma consistently detected drug resistance mutations, but merely in association with virologic failure.