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Powell A, Agwu A. In Support of Breast-/Chestfeeding by People With HIV in High-Income Settings. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 79:202-207. [PMID: 38270916 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Given that HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding, historically, breastfeeding among women with HIV in the US and other resource-rich settings was discouraged. Formula feeding was the mandated feeding option out of concern for breast-milk transmission of HIV, which occurred in 16-24% of cases pre-antiretroviral therapy (pre-ART) use. In January 2023, the US Department of Health and Human Services' Perinatal Guidelines were revised to support shared decision-making for infant feeding choices. Updated clinical trials' data from resource-limited settings suggest the actual breastmilk HIV transmission rate in the context of maternal ART or neonatal postexposure prophylaxis is 0.3-1%. High-income countries are reporting more people with HIV breastfeeding their infants without cases of HIV transmission. We present the reasons for fully embracing breast-/chestfeeding as a viable, safe infant feeding option for HIV-exposed infants in high-income settings, while acknowledging unanswered questions and the need to continually craft more nuanced clinical guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison Agwu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Barrios-Tascon A, Strehlau R, Patel F, Burke M, Shiau S, Shen Y, Arpadi SM, Abrams EJ, Tiemessen CT, Kuhn L. Growth Trajectories Over the First Year of Life Among Early-Treated Infants with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Infants Who are Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Exposed Uninfected. J Pediatr 2024; 270:114018. [PMID: 38508485 PMCID: PMC11176027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of early antiretroviral therapy (ART) on growth trajectories of infants with human immunodeficiency virus (IHIV) in the first year of life. STUDY DESIGN As part of a clinical trial of early ART in Johannesburg, South Africa (2015-2018), 116 IHIV diagnosed within 48 hours of birth were started on ART as soon as possible, and 80 uninfected infants born to mothers living with HIV (IHEU) were enrolled. Both groups were followed prospectively from birth through 48 weeks and growth parameters collected. The groups were compared and risk factors for poor growth investigated, in the full cohort and among IHIV separately. RESULTS IHIV had lower mean weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) than IHEU at 4 and 8 weeks (-1.17 [SE:0.14] vs -0.72 [0.14], P = .035 and -1.23 [0.15] vs -0.67 [0.14], P = .012). Although there was some closing of the gap over time, means remained lower in IHIV through 48 weeks. In length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ), differences widened over time and IHIV had lower Z-scores by 48 weeks (-1.41 [0.15] vs -0.80 [0.18], P = .011). Deficits in WAZ and LAZ in IHIV vs IHEU were most marked among girls. IHIV with pre-ART viral load ≥1000 copies/ml had significantly lower weight-for-length and mid-upper arm circumference Z-scores across all time points through 48 weeks. CONCLUSIONS IHIV on early ART had deficits in WAZ over the first 8 weeks of life and lower LAZ at 48 weeks than IHEU. Among IHIV, higher pre-ART viral load was associated with worse anthropometric indicators through 48 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barrios-Tascon
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.
| | - Renate Strehlau
- VIDA Nkanyezi Research Unit, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Faeezah Patel
- Wits RHI, Shandukani Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Megan Burke
- VIDA Nkanyezi Research Unit, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Shiau
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Yanhan Shen
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Stephen M Arpadi
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Caroline T Tiemessen
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institutes for Communicable Diseases, A Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Louise Kuhn
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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Njuguna IN, King'e M, Moraa H, Kumar M, Benki-Nugent S, Wagner AD, McGrath CJ, Dorsey S, Ndegwa S, Onyango A, Wamalwa D, John-Stewart G. Cohort profile: longitudinal and population comparison of children who are HIV-exposed uninfected and children who are HIV unexposed in Kenya (HOPE study). BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081975. [PMID: 38844397 PMCID: PMC11163661 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Globally, the number of children/adolescents exposed to HIV but uninfected (HIV-exposed uninfected, HEU) is growing. The HEU outcomes: population-evaluation and screening strategies study was designed to provide population-level evidence of the impact of HIV and recent antiretroviral therapy regimen exposure on neurodevelopmental, hearing and mental health outcomes from infancy to adolescence. PARTICIPANTS The study includes a prospective mother-infant cohort and cross-sectional child/youth-caregiver cohorts conducted in Kenya.Between 2021 and 2022, the study enrolled 2000 mother-infant pairs (1000 HEU and 1000 HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU)) for longitudinal follow-up. Infants were eligible if they were aged 4-10 weeks and healthy. Mothers were eligible if their HIV status was known and were ≥18 years. Study visits are 6 monthly until the child reaches age 3 years.Cross-sectional cohorts spanning ages 3-18 years started enrolment in 2022. Target enrolment is 4400 children/youth (4000 HEU and 400 HUU). Children and youth are eligible if they are HIV negative, maternal HIV status and timing of diagnosis is known, and caregivers are ≥18 years.Data on infant/child/youth growth, neurodevelopment, mental health, morbidity and hearing are collected at enrolment using standardised tools. Dry blood spots samples are collected for telomere length assessment at baseline and yearly for the longitudinal cohort. Growth z-scores, neurodevelopmental scores, telomere length and prevalence of developmental and hearing problems will be compared between HEU/HUU populations. FINDINGS TO DATE Full cohort enrolment for the longitudinal cohort is complete and participants are in follow-up. At 1 year of age, comparing HEU to HUU neurodevelopment using the Malawi developmental assessment tool, we found that HEU infants had higher language scores and comparable scores in fine motor, gross motor and social scores. The cross-sectional cohort has enrolled over 2000 participants and recruitment is ongoing. FUTURE PLANS Longitudinal cohort follow-up and enrolment to the cross-sectional study will be completed in June 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene N Njuguna
- Department of Medical Research, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Maureen King'e
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helen Moraa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Benki-Nugent
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anjuli Dawn Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christine J McGrath
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shannon Dorsey
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Serah Ndegwa
- Departnment of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alvin Onyango
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Deaprtment of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Henderson M, Fidler S, Foster C. Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV; Emerging Clinical Outcomes and Data Gaps. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:74. [PMID: 38668535 PMCID: PMC11053933 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In resourced settings, adults living with perinatally acquired HIV are approaching the 5th decade of life. Their clinical and psychological outcomes highlight potential future issues for the much larger number of adolescents growing up with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, and will inform the development of appropriate healthcare services. Lifelong exposure to HIV, and increasingly to antiretroviral therapy throughout growth and development, contrasts with adults acquiring HIV in later life. This review describes the clinical outcomes for adults living with perinatally acquired HIV including post transition mortality, morbidity and retention in care. Rates of viral suppression, drug resistance and immunological function are explored. Co-morbidities focus on metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and bone health with quality-of-life data including neurocognitive functioning and mental health. Sexual and reproductive health including vaccine-preventable disease and the prevention of onward transmission to partners and infants are considered. The data gaps and future research questions to optimise outcomes for this emerging adult cohort are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Henderson
- 900 Clinic, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK; (M.H.); (S.F.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Imperial College NIHR BRC, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- 900 Clinic, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK; (M.H.); (S.F.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Imperial College NIHR BRC, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Caroline Foster
- 900 Clinic, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK; (M.H.); (S.F.)
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK
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Dauby N, Gagneux-Brunon A, Martin C, Mussi-Pinhata MM, Goetghebuer T. Maternal immunization in women living with HIV. AIDS 2024; 38:137-144. [PMID: 38116721 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to widespread use of antiretroviral therapy worldwide, women living with HIV (WLWH) are becoming pregnant and giving birth to HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) newborns. Both pregnancy and HIV infection-related factors such as low CD4+ T-cell count or uncontrolled viral load increase the risk of severe infections such as influenza, COVID-19, and others, making maternal immunization a valuable tool to decrease maternal morbidity among WLWH. Vaccines administered during pregnancy may also benefit the health of HEU infants. Indeed, HEU infants suffer from higher risk of morbidity of infectious origin, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), group B streptococcus (GBS), pneumococcus and pertussis infections. Maternal pertussis immunization is recommended in various high-income countries but not in many low-middle income countries where HIV prevalence is higher. GBS and RSV vaccines to be administered during pregnancy are currently in late-phase clinical trials in HIV-uninfected women and could represent a valuable tool to decrease morbidity during infancy. Decreased transfer of vaccine-specific IgG, accelerated waning of vaccine-induced antibody responses, linked to persistent maternal immune activation, and blunting of infant immune response to vaccines could hamper vaccine effectiveness among WLWH and HEU infants. Vaccine hesitancy could limit benefits of maternal immunization and strategies to tackle vaccine hesitancy should be part of HIV routine care. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the immunogenicity and efficacy of available and upcoming vaccines recommended during pregnancy of WLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Saint-Pierre
- School of Public Health
- U-CRI, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Tessa Goetghebuer
- Department of Paediatrics, CHU Saint-Pierre, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Bukasa LL, Namiba A, Brown M, Ndu'ngu E, Nangwale M, Letting G, Chirwa P, Thorne C, Tariq S. Setting the research agenda: involving parents in research on children who are HIV-free. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26150. [PMID: 37909217 PMCID: PMC10618900 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing interest in health, developmental and survival outcomes of children who are born HIV-free to women living with HIV (children born HIV-free). To date, the research agenda has been largely determined by researchers, funders and policy makers, with limited involvement of parents, who are key stakeholders. Researchers at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health in partnership with community-based organisation 4M Network of Mentor Mothers conducted two workshops with parents in March 2022 to establish research priorities for children born HIV-free, and key considerations for methodological approaches both to research and engagement with the affected communities. DISCUSSION When exploring research on children born HIV-free, we consider the following: what aspects of current research are aligned with women and parents' priorities, what is missing and what approaches would be preferred. A holistic approach to research on children born HIV-free should be prioritised, focussing on a breadth of outcomes and how they intersect. Secondary use of existing data sources should be maximised to facilitate this, with a view of monitoring the long-term effects of fetal antiretroviral drug exposure alongside other key health and developmental outcomes. Involving and engaging with parents, and children where possible, must be at the heart of research design to maximise relevance and impact of findings for the affected communities. Potential barriers to engaging with individuals who were children born HIV-free include parental disclosure and individuals not identifying as a child born HIV-free to a mother living with HIV. Stigma-free language must be incorporated into the vocabulary of researchers and other stakeholders, avoiding reference to exposure; we propose the term "children born HIV-free." CONCLUSIONS Mothers and parents living with HIV should be involved in research about their children born HIV-free and are key in identifying research priorities so that findings may translate into an impact on their children's health and wellbeing. Meaningful involvement of women living with HIV through trusted community partners is an effective mechanism by which to elicit views on research about their children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Claire Thorne
- UCL Great Ormond Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Shema Tariq
- UCL Institute for Global Health, London, UK
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Powis KM, Lebanna L, Schenkel S, Masasa G, Kgole SW, Ngwaca M, Kgathi C, Williams PL, Slogrove AL, Shapiro RL, Lockman S, Mmalane MO, Makhema JM, Jao J, Cassidy AR. Lower academic performance among children with perinatal HIV exposure in Botswana. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26165. [PMID: 37909233 PMCID: PMC10618869 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies have reported a higher risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment among children who are HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) compared to children HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). Actual academic performance among school-aged children by HIV exposure status has not been studied. METHODS Academic performance in Mathematics, Science, English, Setswana and overall among children enrolled in the Botswana-based FLOURISH study who were attending public primary school and ranging in age from 7.1 to 14.6 years were compared by HIV exposure status using a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Lower academic performance was defined as a grade of "C" or lower (≤60%). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were fit to assess for an association between HIV exposure and lower academic performance. RESULTS Between April 2021 and December 2022, 398 children attending public primary school enrolled in the FLOURSH study, 307 (77%) were HEU. Median age was 9.4 years (IQR 8.9-10.2). Only 17.9% of children HEU were breastfeed versus 100% of children HUU. Among children HEU, 80.3% had foetal exposure to three-drug antiretroviral treatment, 18.7% to zidovudine only and 1.0% had no antiretroviral exposure. Caregivers of children HEU were older compared to caregivers of children HUU (median 42 vs. 36 years) and more likely to have no or primary education only (15.0% vs. 1.1%). In unadjusted analyses, children HEU were more likely to have lower overall academic performance compared to their children HUU (odds ratio [OR]: 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 3.30]), and lower performance in Mathematics, Science and English. The association was attenuated after adjustment for maternal education, caregiver income, breastfeeding, low birth weight and child sex (aOR: 1.86 [95% CI: 0.78, 4.43]). CONCLUSIONS In this Botswana-based cohort, primary school academic performance was lower among children HEU compared to children HUU. Biological and socio-demographic factors, including child sex, appear to contribute to this difference. Further research is needed to identify modifiable contributors, develop screening tools to identify the risk of poor academic performance and design interventions to mitigate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Powis
- Department of Internal Medicine and PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Lesedi Lebanna
- Department of Curriculum Development and EvaluationBotswana Ministry of Basic EducationGaboroneBotswana
| | - Sara Schenkel
- Department of Internal Medicine and PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Paige L. Williams
- Departments of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Amy L. Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics & Child HealthFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesStellenbosch UniversityWorcesterSouth Africa
| | - Roger L. Shapiro
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Division of Infectious DiseasesBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | - Jennifer Jao
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of PediatricsNorthwestern Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Adam R. Cassidy
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Departments of Psychiatry & Psychology and Pediatric & Adolescent MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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Bulterys MA, Njuguna I, Mahy M, Gulaid LA, Powis KM, Wedderburn CJ, John-Stewart G. Neurodevelopment among children exposed to HIV and uninfected in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26159. [PMID: 37909232 PMCID: PMC10618877 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The population of 16 million children exposed to HIV and uninfected (CHEU) under 15 years of age continues to expand rapidly, and the estimated prevalence of CHEU exceeds 20% in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa with high HIV prevalence. Some evidence suggests that CHEU experience suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to children born to women without HIV. In this commentary, we discuss the latest research on biologic and socio-behavioural factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes among CHEU. DISCUSSION Some but not all studies have noted that CHEU are at risk of poorer neurodevelopment across multiple cognitive domains, most notably in language and motor skills, in diverse settings, ages and using varied assessment tools. Foetal HIV exposure can adversely influence infant immune function, structural brain integrity and growth trajectories. Foetal exposure to antiretrovirals may also influence outcomes. Moreover, general, non-CHEU-specific risk factors for poor neurodevelopment, such as preterm birth, food insecurity, growth faltering and household violence, are amplified among CHEU; addressing these factors will require multi-factorial solutions. There is a need for rigorous harmonised approaches to identify children at the highest risk of delay. In high-burden HIV settings, existing maternal child health programmes serving the general population could adopt structured early child development programmes that educate healthcare workers on CHEU-specific risk factors and train them to conduct rapid neurodevelopmental screening tests. Community-based interventions targeting parent knowledge of optimal caregiving practices have shown to be successful in improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and should be adapted for CHEU. CONCLUSIONS CHEU in sub-Saharan Africa have biologic and socio-behavioural factors that may influence their neurodevelopment, brain maturation, immune system and overall health and wellbeing. Multidisciplinary research is needed to disentangle complex interactions between contributing factors. Common environmental and social risk factors for suboptimal neurodevelopment in the general population are disproportionately magnified within the CHEU population, and it is, therefore, important to draw on existing knowledge when considering the socio-behavioural pathways through which HIV exposure could impact CHEU neurodevelopment. Approaches to identify children at greatest risk for poor outcomes and multisectoral interventions are needed to ensure optimal outcomes for CHEU in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Bulterys
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Laurie A Gulaid
- UNICEF, eastern and southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katheen M Powis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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le Roux SM, Abrams EJ, Zerbe A, Phillips TK, Myer L. Children of a syndemic: co-occurring and mutually reinforcing adverse child health exposures in a prospective cohort of HIV-affected mother-infant dyads in Cape Town, South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26152. [PMID: 37909170 PMCID: PMC10618899 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several HIV-related syndemics have been described among adults. We investigated syndemic vulnerability to hazardous drinking (HD), intimate partner violence (IPV) and household food insecurity (HFIS) in breastfed children born without HIV in urban South Africa. We compared those who were perinatally HIV exposed (CHEU) to those who were not (CHU), under conditions of universal maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and breastfeeding. METHODS A prospective cohort of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV), and without HIV, were enrolled and followed with their infants for 12 months postpartum (2013-2017). All WLHIV initiated antenatal efavirenz-based ART. Measurements of growth (∼3 monthly), infectious cause hospitalisation, ambulatory childhood illness (2-week recall) and neurodevelopment (BSID-III, measured at ∼12 months' age) were compared across bio-social strata using generalised linear regression models, with interaction terms; maternal data included interview-based measures for HD (AUDIT-C), IPV (WHO VAW) and HFIS. RESULTS Among 872 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs (n = 461 CHEU, n = 411 CHU), WLHIV (vs. HIV negative) reported more unemployment (279/461, 60% vs. 217/411, 53%; p = 0.02), incomplete secondary education (347/461, 75% vs. 227/411, 55%; p < 0.0001), HD (25%, 117/459 vs. 7%, 30/411; p < 0.0001) and IPV (22%, 101/457 vs. 8%, 32/411; p < 0.0001) at enrolment; and HFIS at 12 months (45%, 172/386 vs. 30%, 105/352; p > 0.0001). There were positive interactions between maternal HIV and other characteristics. Compared to food secure CHU, the mean difference (95% CI) in weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) was 0.06 (-0.14; 0.25) for food insecure CHU; -0.26 (-0.42; -0.10) for food secure CHEU; and -0.43 (-0.61; -0.25), for food insecure CHEU. Results were similar for underweight (WAZ < -2), infectious-cause hospitalisation, cognitive and motor delay. HIV-IPV interactions were evident for ambulatory diarrhoea and motor delay. There were HIV-HD interactions for odds of underweight, stunting, cognitive and motor delay. Compared to HD-unexposed CHU, the odds ratios (95% CI) of underweight were 2.31 (1.11; 4.82) for HD-exposed CHU; 3.57 (0.84; 15.13) for HD-unexposed CHEU and 6.01 (2.22; 16.22) for HD-exposed CHEU. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that maternal HIV-related syndemics may partly drive excess CHEU health risks, highlighting an urgent need for holistic maternal and family care and support alongside ART to optimise the health of CHEU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanzi M le Roux
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Allison Zerbe
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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