Maternal and infant factors associated with failure to thrive in children with vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: the prospective, P2C2 human immunodeficiency virus multicenter study

Normalization of Cardiac Structural dimension and Function to Body Surface Area in South East Nigeria Children

BACKGROUND

Standardizing cardiac valve structures and function to body surface area will help the clinician and surgeons in decision-making.

AIM

To evaluate the z-scores of the sizes of cardiac structures and function and to present them in Gaussian curves and reference values.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that involved 300 apparently healthy children. This study was performed among healthy children from birth to 18 years. Children with a normal echocardiogram, those with no chronic illness, no congenital heart defect, and no acquired heart defect were included in the study.

RESULT

The majority fell within the normal limits, as shown in the Gaussian curves. For instance, 40 (13.3%) of atrioventricular (AV) valve diameters were +1 Z-score above the normal, and only 5 (1.7%) were +2 Z-score above the normal. About 9.3% (28/300) had below -2 Z-score below normal, while only 5% had -1 Z-score below normal. Similarly, the left ventricular function z-scores were also derived at -3 Z-scores to +3 Z-scores. The standard reference values were compared with the results obtained from our Z score values. There was no significant difference noted in the Z-scores. P values ranged from 0.07 to 0.84 for all the cardiac structures except for gender, where Z-scores of the mitral valve and left pulmonary artery varied significantly (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Reference values of cardiac structure and function were presented using Z scores, and we noted no significant difference when compared with the Western standard values except for the mitral valve and left pulmonary artery.

Glutathione Deficiency in HIV-1-Infected Children with Short Stature

Objective This study was aimed to determine if glutathione (GSH) deficiency occurs in children with HIV infection and whether GSH deficiency is associated with HIV-related short stature.

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with two age-matched comparison groups in an inner city hospital-based pediatric AIDS/HIV outpatient clinic. Ten perinatally HIV-infected children aged 6 to 49 months with short stature (height–age percentile ≤5) were studied together with age-matched 10 HIV-infected children with normal height and 10 HIV-seronegative children with normal height. Total erythrocyte GSH (GSH and GSH disulfide) levels were determined by a modification of the 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid glutathione disulfide reductase method. Other measures included complete blood counts, lymphocyte subset analysis, plasma albumin, cholesterol, vitamins A and E, and determination of HIV disease stage.

Discussion Erythrocyte GSH levels were lower in HIV-infected children with short stature (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 0.639 µmol/mL ± 0.189) compared with HIV-infected children with normal height (mean ± SD: 0.860 µmol/mL ± 0.358; p < 0.05) and HIV-negative controls (mean ± SD: 0.990 µmol/mL ± 0.343; p < 0.05). Plasma levels of cholesterol, albumin, and vitamins A and E did not differ between the short-stature group and either the HIV-infected normal-height group or HIV-negative controls.

Conclusion These results demonstrate a GSH deficiency in HIV-infected children with short stature and support the hypothesis that GSH balance is important in growth among HIV-infected children.

Fractures in children and adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV

BACKGROUND

Across numerous settings, bone mineral density for age and sex is lower in children/adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) compared to uninfected peers. We assessed incidences of any fracture/any long bone fracture, and osteoporosis prevalence in PHIV and HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) participants in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS).

METHODOLOGY

Lifetime history of fracture events from birth up to age 20 years was obtained by chart review and/or interview, including age at fracture, mechanism, and bone(s) fractured. Poisson regression models were fit comparing fracture incidence by HIV status adjusted for age, sex, and race, with effect modification by age (<6, ≥6 yr).

RESULTS

PHIV (N = 412) were older (median 17.5 vs 16.7 yr) and more frequently reported black race (72% vs 61%) than PHEU children/adolescents (N = 206). 17% of PHIV and 12% of PHEU ever reported a fracture. Among children <6 yr, the adjusted incidence rate ratio of ≥1 fracture was higher (7.23; 95% CI 0.98, 53.51) in PHIV than PHEU, but similar among children/adolescents ≥6 years (1.20; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.87). Results were similar for long bone fracture. The most common fracture mechanisms were falling to the ground from a standing height (23.6% PHIV vs 8.8% PHEU) and sports injuries (21.3% vs 32.4%), and the most commonly fractured sites were the forearm and small bones of the wrist/hands. None of the children had osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children/adolescents ≥6 yr of age, fractures were similar by perinatal HIV status. Prospective, targeted collection of fracture history will be necessary to determine rates of fracture as PHIV and PHEU age into adulthood.

SUMMARY

Lifetime fracture history was collected in children/adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) and HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) children from birth up to age 20 years. Fracture incidence was higher in PHIV compared to PHEU among children <6 years old, but not among older children/adolescents.

Practice Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Intervention and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Nutrition is an integral component of medical care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports integration of medical nutrition therapy into routine care for this population. Fewer PLWHA experience wasting and undernutrition, while the prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases has increased significantly. Improved understanding of HIV infection's impact on metabolism and chronic inflammation has only increased the complexity of managing chronic HIV infection. Nutrition assessment should encompass food insecurity risk, changes in body composition, biochemical indices, and clinical indicators of comorbid disease. Side effects from current antiretroviral therapy regimens are less prevalent than with previous generations of therapy. However, micronutrient deficiencies and chronic anemia also remain significant nutritional risks for PLWHA, making vitamin and mineral supplementation necessary in cases of acute deficiency or food insecurity. Additional factors can impact HIV-related nutrition care among the pediatric population, older adults, minority groups, those co-infected with tuberculosis or hepatitis, and PLWHA in rural or underserved areas. Registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered should participate in multidisciplinary care to incorporate nutrition into the medical management of PLWHA.

Growth at 2 Years of Age in HIV-exposed Uninfected Children in the United States by Trimester of Maternal Antiretroviral Initiation

BACKGROUND

Abnormal childhood growth may affect future health. Maternal tenofovir (TFV) use was associated with lower body length and head circumference at 1 year of age in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) US children.

METHODS

We studied 509 HEU children in the US-based Surveillance Monitoring of Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicities cohort whose HIV-infected mothers were not using antiretrovirals at the last menstrual period and began combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in pregnancy (cART initiators). We examined adjusted associations between antiretrovirals and Centers for Disease Control 2000 growth Z scores at 2 years of age within trimester of cART initiation: weight (weight Z score), length (length Z score), weight-for-length [weight-for-length Z score (WFLZ)], triceps skinfold Z score (TSFZ) and head circumference (head circumference Z score).

RESULTS

Mothers mean age was 28.6 years; 57% were black non-Hispanic and 19% delivered at <37 weeks gestation. At 2 years, mean weight Z score, length Z score, WFLZ and head circumference Z score were above average (P < 0.05), whereas TSFZ (P = 0.57) did not differ from average. WFLZ was >1.64 standard deviation (SD) (>95th percentile) in 13%. Among children of first-trimester cART initiators, TFV+emtricitabine-exposed children had slightly higher mean WFLZ (0.45 SD; 95% confidence interval: -0.10 to 1.00) and lower TSFZ (-0.55 SD; 95% confidence interval: -1.07 to -0.02) compared with zidovudine+lamivudine-exposed children. TSFZ was lower in those exposed to boosted protease inhibitors. In contrast, growth in children of second trimester cART initiators did not differ by antiretroviral exposures.

CONCLUSION

Growth was above average in HEU; 13% were obese. Maternal TFV use was not associated with lower length or head circumference at 2 years of age, as hypothesized, but may be related to greater weight among those exposed to cART early in pregnancy.

Perinatally infected adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (perinatally human immunodeficiency virus)

The availability of highly potent antiretroviral treatment during the last decades has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection into a chronic disease. Children that were diagnosed during the first months or years of life and received treatment, are living longer and better and are presently reaching adolescence and adulthood. Perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIV) and young adults may present specific clinical, behavior and social characteristics and demands. We have performed a literature review about different aspects that have to be considered in the care and follow-up of PHIV. The search included papers in the MEDLINE database via PubMed, located using the keywords “perinatally HIV-infected” AND “adolescents”. Only articles published in English or Portuguese from 2003 to 2014 were selected. The types of articles included original research, systematic reviews, and quantitative or qualitative studies; case reports and case series were excluded. Results are presented in the following topics: “Puberal development and sexual maturation”, “Growth in weight and height”, “Bone metabolism during adolescence”, “Metabolic complications”, “Brain development, cognition and mental health”, “Reproductive health”, “Viral drug resistance” and “Transition to adult outpatient care”. We hope that this review will support the work of pediatricians, clinicians and infectious diseases specialists that are receiving these subjects to continue treatment.

Effect of probiotic bacteria on microbial host defense, growth, and immune function in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infection

The hypothesis that probiotic administration protects the gut surface and could delay progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type1 (HIV-1) infection to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was proposed in 1995. Over the last five years, new studies have clarified the significance of HIV-1 infection of the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) for subsequent alterations in the microflora and breakdown of the gut mucosal barrier leading to pathogenesis and development of AIDS. Current studies show that loss of gut CD4+ Th17 cells, which differentiate in response to normal microflora, occurs early in HIV-1 disease. Microbial translocation and suppression of the T regulatory (Treg) cell response is associated with chronic immune activation and inflammation. Combinations of probiotic bacteria which upregulate Treg activation have shown promise in suppressing pro inflammatory immune response in models of autoimmunity including inflammatory bowel disease and provide a rationale for use of probiotics in HIV-1/AIDS. Disturbance of the microbiota early in HIV-1 infection leads to greater dominance of potential pathogens, reducing levels of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species and increasing mucosal inflammation. The interaction of chronic or recurrent infections, and immune activation contributes to nutritional deficiencies that have lasting consequences especially in the HIV-1 infected child. While effective anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has enhanced survival, wasting is still an independent predictor of survival and a major presenting symptom. Congenital exposure to HIV-1 is a risk factor for growth delay in both infected and non-infected infants. Nutritional intervention after 6 months of age appears to be largely ineffective. A meta analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials of infant formulae supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis showed that weight gain was significantly greater in infants who received B. lactis compared to formula alone. Pilot studies have shown that probiotic bacteria given as a supplement have improved growth and protected against loss of CD4+ T cells. The recognition that normal bacterial flora prime neonatal immune response and that abnormal flora have a profound impact on metabolism has generated insight into potential mechanisms of gut dysfunction in many settings including HIV-1 infection. As discussed here, current and emerging studies support the concept that probiotic bacteria can provide specific benefit in HIV-1 infection. Probiotic bacteria have proven active against bacterial vaginosis in HIV-1 positive women and have enhanced growth in infants with congenital HIV-1 infection. Probiotic bacteria may stabilize CD4+ T cell numbers in HIV-1 infected children and are likely to have protective effects against inflammation and chronic immune activation of the gastrointestinal immune system.

Body fat distribution in perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected children in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: outcomes from the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Associations between abnormal body fat distribution and clinical variables are poorly understood in pediatric HIV disease.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to compare total body fat and its distribution in perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children and to evaluate associations with clinical variables.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional analysis, children aged 7-16 y in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study underwent regionalized measurements of body fat via anthropometric methods and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate body fat by HIV, with adjustment for age, Tanner stage, race, sex, and correlates of body fat in HIV-infected children. Percentage total body fat was compared with NHANES data.

RESULTS

Males accounted for 47% of the 369 HIV-infected and 51% of the 176 HEU children. Compared with HEU children, HIV-infected children were older, were more frequently non-Hispanic black, more frequently had Tanner stage ≥3, and had lower mean height (-0.32 compared with 0.29), weight (0.13 compared with 0.70), and BMI (0.33 compared with 0.63) z scores. On average, HIV-infected children had a 5% lower percentage total body fat (TotF), a 2.8% lower percentage extremity fat (EF), a 1.4% higher percentage trunk fat (TF), and a 10% higher trunk-to-extremity fat ratio (TEFR) than did the HEU children and a lower TotF compared with NHANES data. Stavudine use was associated with lower EF and higher TF and TEFR. Non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor use was associated with higher TotF and EF and lower TEFR.

CONCLUSION

Although BMI and total body fat were significantly lower in the HIV-infected children than in the HEU children, body fat distribution in the HIV-infected children followed a pattern associated with cardiovascular disease risk and possibly related to specific antiretroviral drugs.

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in aten years period

Objectives

to evaluate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rates and related factors in HIV-infected pregnant women from a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2009.

Subjects and method

cohort of 452 HIV-infected pregnant women and their newborns. Data was collected from recorded files and undiagnosed children were enrolled for investigation. Statistical analysis: qui-square test, Fisher exact test, Student t test, Mann-Whitney test, ANOVA, risk ratio and confidence intervals.

Results

MTCT occurred in 3.74%. The study population displayed a mean age of 27 years; 86.5% were found to have acquired HIV through sexual contact; 55% were aware of the diagnosis prior to the pregnancy; 62% were not using HAART. Mean CD4 cell-count was 474 cells/ml and 70.3% had undetectable viral loads in the third trimester. HAART included nevirapine in 35% of cases and protease inhibitors in 55%; Zidovudine monotherapy was used in 7.3%. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37.2 weeks and in 92% by caesarian section; 97.2% received intravenous zidovudine. Use of AZT to newborn occurred in 100% of them. Factors identified as associated to MTCT were: low CD4 cell counts, elevated viral loads, maternal AIDS, shorter periods receiving HAART, other conditions (anemia, IUGR (intra uterine growth restriction), oligohydramnium), coinfecctions (CMV and toxoplasmosis) and the occurrence of labor. Use of HAART for longer periods, caesarian and oral zidovudine for the newborns were associated with a decreased risk. Poor adhesion to treatment was present in 13 of the 15 cases of transmission; in 7, coinfecctions were diagnosed (CMV and toxoplasmosis).

Conclusion

Use of HAART and caesarian delivery are protective factors for mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Maternal coinfecctions and other conditions were risk factors for MTCT.

Longitudinal anthropometric assessment of infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers, Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth parameters in infants who were born to HIV-1-infected mothers. METHODS: The study was a longitudinal evaluation of the z-scores for the weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ) and length-for-age (LAZ) data collected from a cohort. A total of 97 non-infected and 33 HIV-infected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers in Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil, between 1995 and 2003 was studied. The average follow-up period for the infected and non-infected children was 15.8 months (variation: 6.8 to 18.0 months) and 14.3 months (variation: 6.3 to 18.6 months), respectively. A mixed-effects linear regression model was used and was fitted using a restricted maximum likelihood. RESULTS: There was an observed decrease over time in the WAZ, LAZ and WLZ among the infected infants. At six months of age, the mean differences in the WAZ, LAZ and WLZ between the HIV-infected and non-infected infants were 1.02, 0.59, and 0.63 standard deviations, respectively. At 12 months, the mean differences in the WAZ, LAZ and WLZ between the HIV-infected and non-infected infants were 1.15, 1.01, and 0.87 standard deviations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The precocious and increasing deterioration of the HIV-infected infants' anthropometric indicators demonstrates the importance of the early identification of HIV-infected infants who are at nutritional risk and the importance of the continuous assessment of nutritional interventions for these infants.

Possible mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with antiretroviral therapy use in children perinatally infected with HIV

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and exposure to antiretroviral therapy. Mitochondrial dysfunction has not been widely studied in HIV-infected children. We estimated the incidence of clinically defined mitochondrial dysfunction among children with perinatal HIV infection.

METHODS

Children with perinatal HIV infection enrolled in a prospective cohort study (Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocols 219 and 219C) from 1993 through 2004 were included. Two clinical case definitions of mitochondrial dysfunction, the Enquête Périnatale Française criteria and the Mitochondrial Disease Classification criteria, were used to classify signs and symptoms that were consistent with possible mitochondrial dysfunction. Adjusted odds ratios of the associations between single and dual nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor use and possible mitochondrial dysfunction were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 982 (33.5%) of 2931 children met 1 or both case definitions of possible mitochondrial dysfunction. Mortality was highest among the 96 children who met both case definitions (20%). After adjusting for confounders, there was a higher risk of possible mitochondrial dysfunction among children who received stavudine regardless of exposure to other medications (odds ratio, 3.44 [95% confidence interval, 1.91-6.20]) or who received stavudine-didanosine combination therapy (odds ratio, 2.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.19-4.21]). Exposure to lamivudine and to lamivudine-stavudine were also associated with an increased risk of mitochondrial dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Receipt of nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, especially stavudine and lamivudine, was associated with possible mitochondrial dysfunction in children with perinatal HIV infection. Further studies are warranted to elucidate potential mechanisms of nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor toxicities.

Early clinical outcomes in children enrolled in human immunodeficiency virus infection care and treatment in lesotho

BACKGROUND

Children are largely underrepresented among those accessing treatment of HIV infection in Africa. Reported outcomes of children enrolled in national care and treatment programs are needed to inform the widespread scale-up of pediatric HIV care in resource-limited settings.

METHODS

The objective of this article is to report on the early outcomes of a pediatric HIV infection care and treatment program in Lesotho during its first 14 months of operation. Clinical protocols are described, and characteristics and outcomes of the first cohort of children enrolled in care are reported, derived from a retrospective review of medical records.

RESULTS

In the program's first 14 months, 1566 children and adolescents aged between 0 and 16 years were evaluated for HIV, with 567 (36%) confirmed to be infected. Of infected patients, 61% presented with advanced or severe symptoms of HIV disease and 65% presented with CD4 profiles consistent with advanced or severe immunodeficiency, based on World Health Organization 2006 guidelines. Two hundred and eighty four children received highly active antiretroviral therapy. The mortality rate was 18.6 deaths per 100 patient years of follow-up. Ninety-nine percent of deaths occurred within 90 days of enrollment. Deceased patients were significantly younger, had higher rates of stunting and wasting, and were more likely to present with low CD4 cell counts.

CONCLUSION

Highly active antiretroviral therapy was well tolerated, but the early mortality rate was high despite concurrent management of HIV and comorbidities. Given that hundreds of thousands of children remain without access to HIV care, renewed efforts are needed to reach this underserved population.

Predictors of growth and body composition in HIV-infected children beginning or changing antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to describe growth and body composition changes in HIV-positive children after they had initiated or changed antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to correlate these with viral, immune and treatment parameters.

METHODS

Ninety-seven prepubertal HIV-positive children were observed over 48 weeks upon beginning or changing ART. Anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis results were compared with results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 (NHANES) to generate z-scores and with results for HIV-exposed, uninfected children from the Women and Infants Transmission Study (WITS). Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate associations between growth and body composition and disease parameters.

RESULTS

All baseline lean and fat mass measures were below those of controls from NHANES. Weight, height and fat free mass (FFM) index (FFM/height(2)) z-scores increased over time (P = 0.004, 0.037 and 0.027, respectively) and the waist:height ratio z-score decreased (P = 0.045), but body mass index and per cent body fat z-scores did not change. Measures did not increase more than in uninfected WITS controls. In multivariate analysis, baseline height, mid-thigh circumference and FFM z-scores related to CD4 percentage (P = 0.029, P = 0.008 and 0.020, respectively) and change in FFM and FFM index z-scores to CD4 percentage increase (P = 0.010 and 0.011, respectively). Compared with WITS controls, baseline differences in height and mid-thigh muscle circumference were also associated with CD4 percentage. Case-control differences in change in both subscapular skinfold (SSF) thickness and the SSF:triceps skinfold ratio were inversely associated with viral suppression. No measures related to ART class(es) at baseline or over time.

CONCLUSIONS

In these HIV-positive children, beginning or changing ART was associated with improved growth and lean body mass (LBM), as indicated by FFM index. Height and LBM related to CD4 percentage at baseline and over time. Altered fat distribution and greater central adiposity were associated with detectable virus but not ART class(es) received.

Patterns of postnatal growth in HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children

HIV infection can contribute to disturbances in both linear growth and weight gain in early childhood, with disturbances often apparent as early as 3 months of age. There is little evidence for a difference in the early growth of HIV-exposed but uninfected children compared to healthy controls. Owing to the close association of growth with immune function and clinical progression, an understanding of growth patterns may be an important tool to ensure the provision of appropriate care to HIV-infected and exposed children. Timely growth monitoring may be used to improve the clinical course and quality of life of these children.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with nationally representative controls from 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, longitudinal analysis of CVD risk factors in 42 HIV-infected children compared with NHANES controls, with multivariable modeling of demographic, disease-specific, and treatment-related factors contributing to cardiac risk in the HIV cohort.

RESULTS

The 42 children infected with HIV were initially an average of 10.1 years old; 68% were Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pediatric HIV disease stage B or C, and 76% were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Compared with age- and sex-adjusted NHANES controls, the children infected with HIV had lower weight (-0.46 standard deviation [SD] vs +0.54 SD; P < .001), height (-0.62 SD vs +0.26 SD; P < .001), and body mass index (-0.09 SD vs +0.51 SD; P < .001), a higher level of triglycerides (136 mg/dL vs 90 mg/dL; P < .001), and a lower level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (47 mg/dL vs 54 mg/dL; P < .001). Protease inhibitor therapy was independently associated with higher triglyceride (P = .02) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P = .04) and lower HDL cholesterol level (P = .02); nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor therapy was associated with lower visceral fat (P = .01) and higher HDL cholesterol level (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Children infected with HIV have adverse cardiac risk profiles compared with NHANES controls. Antiretroviral therapy has a significant influence on these factors.

Changes in macronutrient intake among HIV-infected children between 1995 and 2004

BACKGROUND

Nutritional concerns in HIV-infected children have evolved, from wasting to obesity and insulin resistance. However, little is known about the diet of these children during this evolution.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed dietary macronutrient intake in HIV-infected children over nearly 10 y.

DESIGN

HIV-infected children underwent periodic longitudinal nutritional assessments between 1995 and 2004. Sex-specific initial and final means or proportions and time trends in macronutrient intakes were estimated with regression analyses.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty nutritional records from 49 males and 411 from 67 females were analyzed. Caloric intake exceeded the estimated energy requirement (EER) for ideal body weight in 1995 by 62% for males and 39% for females and decreased by 3% of the EER per year in males (P = 0.02) and by 2% in females (P = 0.004). In 2004, caloric intake still remained >19% above the EER in both groups. Protein intake was nearly 400% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for ideal body weight in 1995 among both males and females and decreased by 13% of the RDA per year for males (P = 0.001) and by 21% per year for females (P < 0.001). However, daily protein intake still exceeded the RDA by >60% in both groups in 2004. Females consumed more energy from carbohydrates (P = 0.05) and sugar (P = 0.10) and less from monounsaturated (P = 0.04), polyunsaturated (P = 0.05), saturated (P = 0.03), and total (P = 0.10) fat in 2004 than in 1995.

CONCLUSION

Excessive caloric intake and a shift in dietary composition toward carbohydrates in females suggest that continued monitoring of diet in HIV-infected children is important to avoid increased nutritional risk.

Early growth of infants of HIV-infected and uninfected Zambian women

OBJECTIVE

Parental HIV infection may affect even those exposed children who remain uninfected. We investigated early growth, an indicator of overall health, of infants born to Zambian mothers recruited for a study of breastfeeding and postpartum health.

METHODS

HIV-infected and uninfected women in Lusaka were followed regularly from late pregnancy to 16 weeks postpartum. Infant weight and length were measured at birth, 6 and 16 weeks. Infant HIV status could not be specifically determined in this cohort so comparisons were between all infants of HIV-uninfected mothers (n = 184) and those infants of HIV-infected mothers who were known to be alive and showed no clinical evidence of HIV infection at age 2-4 years (n = 85).

RESULTS

Most infants were exclusively or predominantly breastfed until 16 weeks. At all time points infants of HIV-infected mothers tended to have lower weight and length standard deviation (Z) scores (significant for weight at 6 weeks; P = 0.04), even after adjustment for their lower gestational age at birth, compared with infants of uninfected mothers. In multivariate analyses the major factors affecting weight or length at 6 or 16 weeks of age were birth weight or length, and maternal subclinical mastitis, primiparity and weight during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Early growth of infants of HIV-infected mothers is less than that of uninfected mothers, in part associated with subclinical mastitis, and this effect cannot be overcome with intensive support of mothers to follow international recommendations regarding exclusive breastfeeding.

Comorbidities and mortality among children hospitalized with diarrheal disease in an area of high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection

PURPOSE

To describe the profile of comorbidities in children admitted with diarrhea to an urban hospital with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in South Africa and to examine the contribution of comorbidities to inpatient mortality.

METHODS

Data from a retrospective random sample of 319 children were extracted and analyzed from a total of 1145 children hospitalized for diarrhea in 2001. We used multiple logistic regression models to determine the independent effects of HIV infection, malnutrition, pneumonia and bacteremia on inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

Overall 68% of the diarrheal admissions were classified as HIV-infected and 61% were classified as malnourished, with 53% having evidence of both. HIV infection was strongly associated with malnutrition, pneumonia and bacteremia. Inpatient mortality was 14% [95% confidence interval (CI), 11-19%]. Mortality was higher among HIV-infected than among uninfected children [crude odds ratio (OR), 6.0; 95% CI 2.1-17.0]. History of low birth weight, previous admission, malnutrition, HIV infection, pneumonia, bacteremia, low hemoglobin, total white blood cell count and serum albumin were significant predictors of mortality in univariate analyses. After adjustment, severe malnutrition (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.0-4.9), bacteremia (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2-7.2) and pneumonia (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.3-12.0) remained independent predictors of mortality, whereas the association between HIV infection and mortality was significantly diminished (OR 4.0; 95% CI 0.8-18.1).

CONCLUSION

In a setting of high HIV prevalence, malnutrition, bacteremia and pneumonia contribute independently to death in children hospitalized with diarrheal disease.

Predictors of bone mineral density in human immunodeficiency virus-1 infected children

OBJECTIVES

To compare bone mineral density (BMD) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with population norms and to determine predictors of BMD in HIV-infected children.

METHODS

Total body BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in 37 HIV-infected children and nine sibling controls at baseline. Clinical, dietary and anthropometric data were obtained at the time of the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry examination. Age- and gender-adjusted z scores were calculated for BMD, body mass index, weight and height from population standards. Age-adjusted percentiles were determined for dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D. Differences in BMD z scores between HIV-infected children and sibling controls were determined and adjusted for height and weight, as were independent risk factors for lower BMD among infected children. Eighteen HIV-infected children and 5 controls had serial BMD measures.

RESULTS

Compared with population norms, HIV-infected children had significantly lower BMD z scores (-0.51 SD, P = 0.004), in contrast with controls who had normal z scores (0.38 SD, P = 1.0). However, there was no difference in BMD z scores between HIV-infected children and the small number of sibling controls, adjusted for height and weight. Among HIV-infected children, lower BMD z scores were independently associated with lower weight z scores (P < 0.0001), lower height z scores (P = 0.01), advanced (stage B or C) HIV stage (P = 0.01) and age greater than 8 years (P < 0.0001). In the same model, multivitamin use (P = 0.009) and African American race (P = 0.001) were associated with better BMD z scores, with nevirapine use showing borderline positive effect (P = 0.06). All results were adjusted for Tanner stage. Change in BMD z score over time showed that there was no change or an increase in BMD in 100% of controls but in only 44% of the HIV-infected children (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

When compared with population norms, HIV-infected children had lower than expected bone mass for their age and gender that may be attributable to delays in growth, sexual maturity, time (length of HIV infection), ethnicity and disease severity. Dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D were not associated with bone loss, but most children had suboptimal intake. However, multivitamin use was strongly associated with better bone mineral density.

Mild dilated cardiomyopathy and increased left ventricular mass predict mortality: the prospective P2C2 HIV Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Many HIV-infected children die with cardiac abnormalities. We sought to understand the course of these HIV-associated abnormalities and their impact on all-cause mortality.

METHODS

We describe longitudinal changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function and mortality in 185 children vertically infected with HIV. Serial cardiac data were obtained from 0.1 to 10 years of age. Age- or body surface area-adjusted z scores were calculated for 10 echocardiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

Median age at first echocardiogram was 2 years (range 0.2-9.4 years); median follow-up was 3.6 years (range 0-6.3 years). The 5-year cumulative incidence of congestive heart failure was 12.3%. Mean fractional shortening z scores declined from -0.65 at 1 year of age to -1.47 at 3 years of age without further decline between 3 and 10 years of age. Among children with 2 echocardiograms performed in the first year of follow-up, mild LV dysfunction (fractional shortening of < -2 SD on both echocardiograms) was present in 29 (18%) of 158 children. For these 29 children, the 5-year mortality was 55.4%. Left ventricular mass z scores were elevated at 1 year (mean z score 0.68, P < .001) and remained elevated throughout follow-up. In the 8 children with LV mass z score of > 2 SD on both initial and follow-up echocardiograms, the 5-year mortality was 75%.

CONCLUSION

In HIV-infected children, LV structure and function progressively deteriorated in the first 3 years of life, resulting in subsequent persistent mild LV dysfunction and increased LV mass. Chronic mild depression of LV function and elevated LV mass were associated with higher all-cause mortality.

Predictors of early mortality in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected african children

BACKGROUND

Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection follows a bimodal clinical course with rapid progression in 10-45% of children before the age of 2 years and slower progression in the remainder. A prospective observational study was undertaken to determine predictors of mortality in HIV-1-infected African infants during the first 2 years of life.

METHODS

Infants in a perinatal cohort identified to be HIV-1-infected by DNA PCR were followed monthly to 1 year, then quarterly to 2 years or death.

RESULTS

Among 62 HIV-1-infected infants, infection occurred by the age of 1 month in 56 (90%) infants, and 32 (52%) died at median age of 6.2 months. All infant deaths were caused by infectious diseases, most frequently pneumonia (75%) and diarrhea (41%). Univariate predictors of infant mortality included maternal CD4 count <200 cells/microl [hazard ratio (HR), 3.4; P = 0.008], maternal anemia (HR = 3.7; P = 0.005), delivery complications (HR = 2.7; P = 0.01), low birth weight (HR = 4.1; P = 0.001), weight, length and head circumference </=5th percentile at age 1 month (HR = 3.7, P = 0.003; HR = 5.8, P < 0.001; and HR = 10.4, P < 0.001, respectively), formula-feeding (HR = 4.0; P = 0.01), infant CD4% </=15% (HR = 5.5; P = 0.01), infant CD4 count <750 (HR = 9.7; P = 0.006) and maternal death (HR = 2.9, P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, maternal CD4 count <200 (HR = 2.7; P = 0.03) and delivery complications (HR = 3.4; P = 0.005) were independently associated with infant mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced maternal HIV disease, maternal anemia, delivery complications, early growth faltering, formula-feeding and low infant CD4 were predictors of early mortality in African HIV-1-infected infants. In resource-poor settings, these predictors may be useful for early identification and treatment of high risk infants.

Growth, survival and viral load in symptomatic childhood human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND

The relationships among weight and height growth, viral load and survival in HIV-infected children remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether weight or height growth velocity independently predicts survival and to investigate associations of weight, height and head circumference growth velocities with viral loads in symptomatic HIV-infected children.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a prospective antiretroviral study utilizing clinical endpoints (PACTG 152). Viral load [log(RNA PCR)] and anthropometric measures 12 weeks before and after viral load measures were available in 494 of 831 children. Interval changes during 24 weeks in z-scores for weight-for-age (DeltaWAZ), height-for-age (DeltaHAZ) and head circumference-for-age (DeltaHCZ) were used as growth velocity surrogates. Logistic regression determined whether DeltaWAZ and/or DeltaHAZ correlated with survival when age, viral load and CD4+ cell count were controlled. Bivariate analysis assessed correlation among viral load and DeltaWAZ, DeltaHAZ and/or DeltaHCZ.

RESULTS

Survival related significantly to height growth velocity (P = 0.03, n = 434) but not to weight growth velocity (P = 0.84, n = 446) or head circumference growth velocity (P = 0.67, n = 148). Viral load was not significantly associated with changes in weight-, height-, or head circumference-for-age z scores (P = 0.86, n = 235; P = 0.07, n = 226; and P = 0.09, n = 165, respectively) in children <30 months of age or with changes in weight- or height-for-age z scores (P = 0.27, n = 259; P = 0.11, n = 251) in older children.

CONCLUSIONS

Height growth velocity predicted survival independently of age, viral load and CD4+ cell count. Weight, height and head circumference growth velocities were not significantly associated with viral load in symptomatic HIV-infected children in this large prospective trial of nucleoside reverse transcriptase therapy.

Predictors of cardiac morbidity and related mortality in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular dysfunction and its predictors in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular manifestations are common among children with AIDS but may be clinically occult.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and Holter monitor studies of 68 children with AIDS. We tested clinical and demographic characteristics at the time of AIDS diagnosis for their ability to predict serious cardiac events, death, and cardiac death.

RESULTS

The median time from AIDS diagnosis to death or end of follow-up was 1.0 year (range, 1 week to 7.9 years). Nineteen patients (28%) experienced serious cardiac events after AIDS diagnosis. Of 43 patients who died, 15 (35%) had cardiac dysfunction. Multivariable analyses revealed that recurrent bacterial infections, wasting, encephalopathy, male gender, and an earlier year of AIDS diagnosis were predictors of serious cardiac events (relative risk [RR] = 9.3, 6.9, 4.7, 4.1, and 0.76, respectively, p < 0.05). Wasting, encephalopathy, a low age-adjusted CD4 count, a low age-adjusted immunoglobulin G (IgG) level, and an earlier year of AIDS diagnosis increased the risk of all-cause mortality (RR = 8.9, 5.1, 2.7, 0.82, and 0.8, respectively, p <or= 0.02). Male gender, a low age-adjusted CD4 count, and a low age-adjusted IgG level increased the risk for cardiac death (RR = 16.9, 4.2, and 0.68, respectively, p <or= 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serious cardiac events and cardiac death are common among children with AIDS. Factors such as recurrent bacterial infections, wasting, encephalopathy, male gender, low CD4 and IgG levels, and an earlier year at AIDS diagnosis may identify high-risk patients.

Nutritional aspects of HIV-infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

The presentation of the nutritional problems of HIV-infected children is changing over time with improved antiretroviral regimens. Early reports of HIV infection in the 1980s, included such problems as malnutrition and wasting. However, as treatment and prophylactic regimens improve, the current nutritional problems of HIV-infected children in developed countries include truncal obesity and insulin resistance in addition to malnutrition. Background data on the wasting syndrome, etiology of malnutrition, nutritional effects of highly active antiretroviral therapies, and nutritional intervention strategies for HIV-infected children will be presented.

The pathophysiology of cocaine abuse

Cocaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that increases dopamine concentrations in the reward centers of the brain. There has been a marked increase in cocaine abuse over the last two decades. A neuropsychological stimulant, cocaine also reduces somnolence, increases alertness and improves concentration. However, cocaine abuse has many pathophysiological consequences. These fall broadly into four groups: pathology associated with a drug abusing lifestyle, pathology that occurs whilst intoxicated with (but not directly due to) the drug, pathology associated with drug administration and pathology resulting from pharmacological action of the drug. This review provides a detailed description of the physiological, pharmacological, and pathological effects of cocaine, and highlights the forensic and medicolegal implications of cocaine abuse.

Childbirth Education for the HIV-Positive Woman

Pregnant HIV-positive women have unique education needs during the perinatal period. HIV-positive women need information regarding the differences in recommended care they can expect to experience both for themselves and their newborn. Differences in recommended care are related to minimizing transmission of the HIV virus. This article discusses the unique educational content needs of HIV-positive pregnant women. Providing women with appropriate information about what their labor and delivery experiences will entail can help them make decisions and promote a positive birth experience.

HIV exposure: neonatal considerations

The presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pregnant women puts infants at risk for exposure through placental infection and contact with contaminated maternal blood and genital secretions. Efforts to combat this inevitably fatal disease continue to focus on preventing transmission of the virus from a mother who has HIV to her newborn during the prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods. Prophylaxis against transmission and vigilant assessment for indicators of infection are hallmarks of appropriate health care for infants exposed to HIV.