Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (Nov 2014)

The Prevalence and Determinants of Short Stature in HIV-Infected Children

  • Dipesalema R. Joel MBBCh, BAO, BMedSc, MRCPI,
  • Vincent Mabikwa BA, MA,
  • Jerry Makhanda BSc, MSc,
  • Michael A. Tolle MD, MPH,
  • Gabriel M. Anabwani MBChB, MMed, MSCE, FRCPE,
  • Syed Faisal Ahmed MD, FRCPCH

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2325957414531621
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Background: Children with HIV infection are often reported to be short. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV-associated short stature in HIV endemic setting. Methods: Data were obtained by retrospective review of the electronic medical records. Patients were grouped into various clinical categories. For each category, the proportion of patients with height-for-age Z score of less than −2 standard deviation [SD] and of less than −3 SD was determined. Results: The prevalence of short stature (less than −2 SD) was 28.4%. Severe short stature (less than −3 SD) is more likely with percentage of CD4 400 copies/mL (OR 2.64, CI 1.27-5.38, P = .008) and poor adherence (<95%; OR 1.72, CI 1.03-2.05, P = .037). Conclusion: In Botswana, short stature affects a quarter of HIV-infected children and severe short stature is associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment, severe immunosuppression, and virologic failure.