Mortality risk factors among HIV-exposed infants in rural and urban Cameroon

The mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 and profile of viral reservoirs in pediatric population: A systematic review with meta-analysis of the Cameroonian studies

BACKGROUND

The mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 (MTCT) remains on the major route of HIV-transmission among pediatric populations in Africa. Though a prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) high-priority country, data on the MTCT burdens in Cameroon remains fragmented.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the pooled MTCT rate, its risk-factors, and to characterize viral reservoirs of infected-children in Cameroon.

METHODS

All relevant observational cohort and cross-sectional studies conducted in Cameroon were searched from PubMed, African Journals Online, Google scholar, ScienceDirect and academic medical education databases. Heterogeneity and publication bias were respectively assessed by the I2 statistic and the Egger/funnel plot test. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. MTCT rate >5% was considered as "high". This review was registered in the Prospero database, CRD42021224497.

RESULTS

We included a total of 29 studies and analyzed 46 684 children born from HIV-positive mothers. The overall rate of MTCT was 7.00% (95% CI = 6.07-8.51). According to regions, the highest burden was in Adamaoua-region (17.51% [95% CI:14.21-21.07]) with only one study found. PMTCT option-B+ resulted in about 25% reduction of MTCT (8.97% [95% CI: 8.71-9.24] without option-B+ versus 2.88% [95% CI: 5.03-9.34] with option-B+). Regarding risk-factors, MTCT was significantly associated with the absence of PMTCT-interventions both in children (OR:5.40 [95% CI: 2.58-11.27]) and mothers (OR: 3.59 [95% CI: 2.15-5.99]). Regarding viral reservoirs, a pro-viral DNA mean of 3.34±1.05 log10/mL was observed among 5/57 children and archived HIV drug resistance mutations were identified in pro-viral DNA marker among 21/79 infected-children.

CONCLUSION

In spite of the dropdown in MTCT following option-B+ implementation, MTCT remains high in Cameroon, with substantial disparities across regions. Thus, in this era of option-B+, achieving MTCT elimination requires interventions in northern-Cameroon. The variation in pro-viral load in infected-children underlines the relevance of characterizing viral reservoirs for possible infection control in tropical settings.

Incidence of Mortality among Under-Five-Year-Old Children Born to Women Living with HIV and Those Born to Women Not Living with HIV in Botswana: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background

Child mortality is a core indicator for child health and wellness. Botswana reported an under-five-year-old children (UFC) mortality rate of 48 deaths per 1000 live births in 2017 against 152 deaths per 1000 live births in 1971. This was a commendable accomplishment. However, given the current country situation whereby 23% of children are born to women living with HIV, the incidence of mortality among UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV and their survival are better health metrics to inform decision making. Nevertheless, such data are still very scarce in Botswana. The study's objective was to estimate the incidence of UFC mortality among children born to women living with and not living with HIV and to compare UFC survival between the two groups.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of mortality among UFC was conducted in Botswana, including all UFC born between January 2014 and June 2018. Data were extracted from the National Under-Five Mortality Audit Committee (NUFMAC) database using a standardized data collection tool. The incidence rate of UFC death was estimated as a function of the duration from birth to death. Survival functions of UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV were plotted and compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

The overall incidence of UFC death was 4.63/1000 child months (CM) (95% CI 4.36–4.90). The incidence of UFC death among children born to women living with HIV was 6.96/1000 CM (95% CI 6.47–7.45) and that of UFC born to women not living with HIV was 4.34/1000 CM (95% CI 4.03–4.65). The overall average and standard error (SE) time to event/death for UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV was 54.80 (0.18) months. The mean (SE) time to death for UFC born to women living with HIV was 52.79 (0.41) months and that of UFC born to women not living with HIV was 55.44 (0.19) months (log-rank X² = 37.59, p < 0.001). Prematurity or low birth weight was the leading cause of UFC death in both groups; but, it was higher in UFC born to women not living with HIV subgroup than their counterparts. Four cases only or 0.5% of the 806 death cases reported by reporting physicians were attributable to HIV-related complications.

Conclusion

Despite the commendable efforts made in reducing UFC death, the incidence of UFC death among UFC born to women living with HIV in Botswana is still higher, and their survival is shorter compared to UFC born to women not living with HIV. Child survival interventions should prioritize UFC born to women living with HIV to improve their survival.

Fertility desire concordance and contraceptive use among couples living with HIV in northern Nigeria

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the concordance between own and perceived partner fertility intentions and identify predictors of contraceptive use among couples receiving antiretroviral therapy in Kano, Nigeria.

METHODS

A structured, validated questionnaire was used to interview 399 married men and women receiving antiretroviral therapy. Adjusted odds ratios for predictors of contraceptive use were derived from multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Most couples (68.9%) had concordant fertility intentions. Only 10.0% of couples had discordant fertility intentions. Among 232 couples (58.1%) at least one partner used contraception. Male condoms were used by 45.9% of couples (n = 183). Female methods were used by 175 couples (43.9%). Contraceptive use was significantly higher in participants who were older (≥30 years), better educated (secondary or post-secondary), had a higher monthly income (NGN ≥30,000), longer marriage duration (≥5 years), at least one living child, >1 year of antiretroviral treatment, and who were living with a serodiscordant partner and in circumstances where the decision on contraception was made by the female partner or jointly by both partners (all p < 0.05). Contraceptive use was significantly lower in participants who had not been sexually active in the last 6 months, where both partners wanted more children, and in situations lacking spousal communication about family planning (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

One in 10 couples had discordant fertility intentions. Contraceptive use was suboptimal and was predicted by age, education, income, length of marriage, number of children, duration of antiretroviral therapy, partner's serostatus, sexual activity, fertility intention, spousal communication and the contraceptive decision-maker. Our findings highlight the need for spousal communication, joint contraceptive decision making and the integration of reproductive health services with antiretroviral therapy services.

Predictors of mortality among HIV exposed infants at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, vertical HIV transmission has been decreased. This may increase fertility desire of HIV infected women and an increasing number of HIV exposed infants as a result. A high probability of mortality among HIV exposed infants was reported across different countries. However, few studies are found on mortality of HIV exposed infants, in particular, no study was conducted before in the current study area.

METHODS

Institution based retrospective cohort study from July 2013 to December 2017 was conducted. A total of 408 HIV exposed children were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data were extracted from registration book by using data extraction tool, which is adapted from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health HIV exposed infant follow-up form. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to show the probability of mortality rate. Bivariable and multivariable cox regression models were used to identify predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Overall mortality rate was found to be 8.88 (95% CI: 6.36-12.36) per 100 child-year. Infant with death of at least one parent (AHR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.503-7.32), non-exclusive breastfeeding (AHR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.037-0.302), growth failure (AHR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.09-8.09), presence of sign and symptom of HIV infection (AHR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.33-6.74), and low birth weight (AHR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.007-6.78) were found to be predictors of infant mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality of HIV exposed infants was high in Ethiopia. Prevention of the occurrence of HIV infection symptom, growth failure, and low birth weight is essential and further treat early whenever they occurred. Still, behavioral change interventions on mother who practice non-exclusive breastfeeding are indicated. Especial care for orphan infants is required due to their nature of vulnerability to varieties of health problem.

Development of Technologic Solutions to Address Complex Local Requirements of an International Prostate Cancer Clinical Quality Registry

PURPOSE

To detail the process for importing a defined data set into a centralized global registry via a secure file transfer platform and to understand the barriers to the establishment of a centralized global registry.

RESULTS

A bespoke solution was developed to allow transmission of data from international local data centers to a centralized repository. Data elements included in the import template were drawn from existing International Consortium for Health Outcome Measurement variables and refined to ensure accurate benchmarking as well as feasibility in data completeness. The data set was organized in accordance with the prostate cancer care trajectory. Key considerations in developing the data transfer platform included import file format, process of input validation, and technical provisions. Given the diversity in the legislation and ethical requirements with respect to consent, data handling, and cross-border data transfer across geographic locations, we encouraged each local data center to consult with its legal advisors and research ethics committee early on in the process.

DISCUSSION

A global collaboration, although highly valuable, posed many challenges because of inconsistent methods of data collection. User acceptance of a system is paramount to the success of establishing a metaregistry. Local information technology support and regular regression testing ensures quality and maintenance of the database.

CONCLUSION

We developed a Web-based system to facilitate the collection and secure storage of common data, which is scalable and secure. It is anticipated that through systematic recording of data, global standards of clinical practice and outcomes of care will see vast improvements.

HIV Exposure and Formula Feeding Predict Under-2 Mortality in HIV-Uninfected Children, Botswana

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively assess rates and detailed predictors of morbidity and mortality among HIV-exposed uninfected children and HIV-unexposed children in Botswana in a more recent era.

STUDY DESIGN

We enrolled HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers and their children in the prospective observational Tshipidi study at 2 sites (1 city and 1 village) in Botswana from May 2010-July 2012. Live-born children and their mothers were followed for 24 months postpartum. Detailed sociodemographic data, health, and psychosocial characteristics were collected at baseline and prospectively, and health outcomes ascertained. Mothers chose infant feeding method with counselling.

RESULTS

A total of 893 live-born HIV-uninfected children (436 HIV-exposed uninfected, 457 HIV-unexposed) were followed. HIV-infected mothers had a median CD4 count of 410 cells/mm3, 32% took 3-drug antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy, 67% took only zidovudine, and 1% took <2 weeks of any antiretrovirals antepartum. Twenty four-month vital status was available for 888 (99.4%) children. HIV-exposed uninfected children had a significantly higher risk of death compared with children of HIV-uninfected mothers (5.0% vs 1.8%) (adjusted hazard ratio 3.27, 95% CI 1.44-7.40). High collinearity between maternal HIV status and child feeding method precluded analysis of these factors as independent predictors of mortality. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomaly were also associated with mortality (in separate analyses), but maternal socioeconomic factors, depression, substance use, and social support were not significant predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

The strongest predictors of 24-month mortality among children in Botswana were HIV exposure and formula feeding, although the relative contribution of these factors to child health could not be separated.

Rate of HIV transmission and associated factors among HIV-exposed infants in selected health facilities of East and West Gojjam Zones, Northwest Ethiopia; retrospective cohort study

Background

In 2014, there were 170,000 new HIV-infected children globally. The rate of HIV transmission from mother to child in Ethiopia was 18%. Though there are a number of HIV-related studies conducted in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of evidence on the rate of mother to child transmission. So, the aim of this study was to determine the rate of HIV transmission and associated factors among HIV-exposed infants in selected health facilities in East and West Gojjam Zones, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study design was conducted. A total of 305 exposed infant- and mother pairs were included in this study. Data were collected from seven selected health facilities in East and West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. The study included a four-year duration PMTCT data, registered from July/2011 to July/2015. Data was collected using a prepared checklist. Data was entered using EpiData and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple variable logistic regression analysis were conducted. A p-value less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significant association.

Result

Three hundred five infants and their mothers were included in this study. The mean age of mothers was 27.4 with a standard deviation of 4.3 years. The majority, 96.4% of infants were on exclusive breastfeeding before six months. The rate of HIV transmission at the end of 24 months were 5.9% (95% CI: 3.9%–7.9%). The number of positive children was reduced from 14 (10.29%) to 4(2.37%) due to the program shift from option A to option B+. Factors which were associated with transmission of HIV from mother to child were; children who were born from older mothers (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.15, 25.70), and infants whose mother couldn’t get PMTCT intervention (AOR = 15.95, 95% CI = 3.35, 75), and mothers who became pregnant after they knew they were HIV positive (AOR = 0.22, 95%CI = 0.049,096).

Conclusions

There is significant progress on the reduction of the rate of HIV transmission from mother to child in Ethiopia. Age of the mother, status of the mother at an entry to PMTCT program and presence of PMTCT interventions were significant factors associated with HIV transmission. Hence, the above factors should be given due emphasis on controlling HIV transmission from mother to child.

Predictors of early breastfeeding cessation among HIV-infected women in Botswana

OBJECTIVE

Infants born to HIV-infected women receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) can be breastfed through at least 6 months with very low risk of HIV acquisition. We aimed to identify demographic and cultural factors that may influence mothers' willingness to breastfeed for the recommended duration.

METHODS

We evaluated factors associated with early cessation of breastfeeding (i.e. before 5 months post-partum) in a randomized clinical trial evaluating different ART regimens used for prevention of mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding in Botswana. Univariate and multivariable Cox regressions were used to describe predictors of early exclusive BF cessation.

RESULTS

Among 677 women who started breastfeeding, the median time to breastfeeding cessation was 178 days (IQR 150-181) and 25.1% weaned early. In multivariable analysis, urban location (aHR = 1.86 95%CI 1.27-2.73; P = 0.002), salaried employment or being a student (aHR = 2.78 95% CI 1.63-4.75; P < 0.001) and infant hospitalisation before weaning (aHR = 2.04 95% CI 1.21-3.45; P = 0.008) were independently and significantly associated with early BF cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved support for breastfeeding among employed mothers, especially in urban settings, may allow HIV-infected women who are receiving ART prophylaxis to breastfeed longer.