A Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of HIV Infected Children Attending ART Centre: A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: The socio-demographic characteristics of children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection are different than the other children of the same age. HIV infection has been studied extensively in adults but pediatric age group is relatively new field. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic profile, clinical spectrum and its association with immunodeficiency among HIV infected children. Methodology: The study was conducted among HIV positive children aged 0-14years, attending ART Centre of Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital, Belagavi. Socio-demographic information was collected, clinical parameters were assessed and CD4 count was recorded. Results: The study included 180 HIV infected children (112 boys, 68 girls). Prevalence of orphan hood was 73.3%. The prevalence of opportunistic infection was 42.2% with Tuberculosis (17.3%) being the most common opportunistic infection. Majority of the study participants (45.0%) were in WHO clinical stage I followed by stage II (23.9%), stage III (19.4%) and stage IV (11.7%). Immunodeficiency was seen in 42% of them. Clinical staging of the study participants was significantly associated with presence of opportunistic infections and immunodeficiency. Conclusion: High prevalence of orphan-hood might lead to significant health consequences. Opportunistic infections increased with immunodeficiency.

Keywords

• HIV
• Children
• ART
• Opportunistic infection
• Clinical stage
• CD4 count