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Shabanova V, Emuren L, Gan G, Antwi S, Renner L, Amissah K, Kusah JT, Lartey M, Reynolds NR, Paintsil E. Pediatric HIV Disclosure Intervention Improves Immunologic Outcome at 48 Weeks: The Sankofa Trial Experience. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:371-380. [PMID: 37643414 PMCID: PMC10617661 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends disclosure of HIV status to children and adolescents living with HIV (CALWH). HIV disclosure improves adherence to antiretroviral therapy and immunologic and virologic outcomes. However, the prevalence of HIV disclosure is low in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the longitudinal effect of the Sankofa Pediatric HIV disclosure intervention on immunologic and virologic outcomes among CALWH in Ghana. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a two-arm site-randomized clinical trial among CALWH aged 7-18 years. Data were collected at baseline, 24, and 48 weeks. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare immunologic (CD4) and virologic (viral load) outcomes as both continuous and categorical variables by disclosure status and by intervention group. RESULTS Among participants who had their HIV status disclosed during this study, the proportion with CD4 percent >25% increased from 56.5% at baseline to 75.4% at week 48 ( P = 0.03), with a slight increase in the undisclosed group (69.5% vs. 74.3%, P = 0.56). In the intervention arm, there was a steady increase in proportion with CD4 percent >25% from 47.1% at baseline to 67.8% at week 48 ( P = 0.01) while it remained unchanged in the control arm (80.5% vs. 81.3% [ P = 0.89]). Concurrently, declines in detectable viral load were observed in both disclosed (63.3% vs. 51.5%, P = 0.16) and undisclosed (69.9% vs. 62.0%, P = 0.17) groups while the intervention group experienced a meaningful drop from 72.9% to 57.6% at 24 weeks ( P = 0.04), which was maintained at 48 weeks. CONCLUSIONS A structured, culturally relevant disclosure intervention can improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonard Emuren
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Geliang Gan
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sampson Antwi
- Department of Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, Ghana
| | - Kofi Amissah
- Department of Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jonas Tettey Kusah
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, Ghana
| | - Margaret Lartey
- Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Elijah Paintsil
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Joyce C, Ramsammy C, Galvin L, Leshabane G, Liberty A, Otwombe K, Buckley J, Milovanovic M, Violari A. Experiences of South African caregivers disclosing to their children living with HIV: Qualitative investigations. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277202. [PMID: 36445899 PMCID: PMC9707749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status improves health outcomes in children living with HIV, yet caregivers often delay disclosure. This qualitative investigation explored, through observation, how 30 caregivers responded to a HIV Disclosure study conducted between 2017 and 2020 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa. Caregivers were assisted in disclosing to their children, aged 7-13 years; followed by a sub-sample of caregivers providing in-depth interviews to elaborate on findings.1) Barriers to disclosure included: caregivers being ill equipped, the fear of negative consequences and children considered lacking emotional or cognitive readiness. 2) Deflecting diagnosis from their children and the need for medication, motivated caregivers to disclosure. 3) Apprehension was evident during disclosure; however, overall disclosure was a positive experience with the support of the healthcare providers. These results highlight the significant role healthcare providers' play in supporting caregivers through the disclosure process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Joyce
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Candice Ramsammy
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lisa Galvin
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Given Leshabane
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Afaaf Liberty
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janice Buckley
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Minja Milovanovic
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- African Potential Management Consultancy, Kyalami, South Africa
| | - Avy Violari
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Klutsey DA, Amankwah‐Poku M, Oppong Asante K. To disclose or not to disclose? Caregivers experiences of disclosure of HIV status of children living with HIV in Accra, Ghana. LIFESTYLE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/lim2.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology University of Ghana, Legon Accra Ghana
- Department of Psychology University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
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Amankwah-Poku M, Klutsey DA, Asante KO. Disclosure and health-related outcomes among children living with HIV and their caregivers. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:13. [PMID: 33879193 PMCID: PMC8056491 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00337-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of disclosure of status to children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is low in most sub-Saharan African countries, leading to poor compliance and adverse psychological outcomes in these children. This study examined the influence of disclosure on health outcomes in children living with HIV and their caregivers. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 155 HIV-positive children between age 6–15 years and their caregivers were administered standardized questionnaires measuring adherence to medication, children's psychological well-being, caregiver burden, and caregivers’ psychological health. Results Results indicated that only 33.5% of the children sampled knew their status. Disclosure of HIV status was significantly related to medication adherence, psychological wellbeing, the burden of caregiving, and the length of the disclosure. A child’s age and level of education were the only demographic variables that significantly predicted disclosure of HIV status. In a hierarchical analysis, after controlling for all demographic variables medication adherence, psychological well-being and burden of caregiving were found to be significant predictors of disclosure of status in children living with HIV. Conclusions Findings suggest the need for disclosure of status among children living with HIV for a positive impact on their medication adherence and psychological health. These findings underscore the need for the development of context-specific interventions that will guide and encourage disclosure of status by caregivers to children living with HIV.
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Clinic-Based Pediatric Disclosure Intervention Trial Improves Pediatric HIV Status Disclosure in Ghana. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 84:122-131. [PMID: 32049772 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disclosing HIV status to HIV-positive children is a major challenge facing families and health care providers. Despite recommendations for disclosure, rates remain low. We tested whether a pediatric HIV disclosure intervention delivered as an integral component of routine HIV health care in Ghana would improve disclosure to children. METHODS Dyads of HIV-infected children aged 7-18 years and their caregivers were enrolled from 2 HIV clinics in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. The sites were randomly assigned to one of the 2 intervention arms to avoid treatment contamination between intervention and control participants. Trained interventionist used theory-guided therapeutic communication and personalized interaction to promote disclosure. Disclosure outcomes were measured at 12-week intervals. All analyses were completed using a modified intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS We enrolled 446 child-caregiver dyads (N = 240 intervention group; N = 206 control group); 52% of the children were boys, mean age 9.78 (±2.27) years. For disclosure at 1 year, a better overall treatment effect was observed (P < 0.001). Children in the treatment group had greater disclosure at each time point (P < 0.001) and a higher proportion of them had been disclosed to by 1 year (51.4% vs. 16.2%; P < 0.001; un-adjusted hazard ratio = 3.98: 95% confidence interval: 2.63 to 6.03) and 3 years (71.3% vs. 34.0%; unadjusted hazard ratio = 4.21: 95% confidence interval: 3.09 to 5.72). In the multivariate Cox model, factors associated with disclosure were treatment group (P < 0.001), children <11 years of age (P < 0.001), HIV-infected caregivers (P = 0.015), and caregiver's with greater education (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS This practical clinic-based disclosure intervention shows excellent promise as a means of improving HIV pediatric disclosure outcomes.
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Tsuzuki S, Ishikawa N, Miyamoto H, Dube C, Kayama N, Watala J, Mwango A. Disclosure to HIV-seropositive children in rural Zambia. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:272. [PMID: 30121082 PMCID: PMC6098826 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Care of children living with HIV comprises various issues, some considered challenging. One of the challenging areas is the serostatus disclosure to HIV-positive children. This study describes the current situation of HIV disclosure among rural children in Zambia and examines the socio-demographic factors promoting disclosure. Methods We used a mixed method approach applying both quantitative and qualitative methods to obtain comprehensive picture of HIV serostatus disclosure for children. Data were collected in Mumbwa district, Zambia (2010–2012), included 57 clinical records of children older than 5 years old. We examined children’s age, gender, and cohabitation status with their parents, caregivers’ level of education and income, and the relation between children and caregivers. Logistic regression model was applied to examine associations between disclosure and socio-demographic characteristics. Semi-structured interviews with 50 caregivers and 22 HIV-positive children were conducted to qualitatively investigate attitude towards disclosure and support needed. Results Full disclosure was completed in 17 out of 57 (29.8%) patients. Median ages of patients in disclosed group and non-disclosed group were 10 and 9, respectively (IQR 8.0–13.0, 7.0–11.25). In univariate analyses, older age and male gender has positive relation to the completion of serostatus disclosure. In logistic regression models, cohabitation status with patients’ mothers showed positive correlation to the completion of serostatus disclosure. In the interviews with caregivers, all caregivers said that disclosure of serostatus is a necessary process and good for their children, while actual serostatus disclosure rate was low. Conclusion Serostatus disclosure to HIV-seropositive children is not prevalent in Rural Zambia. Although further researches would be desirable, increased support to caregivers would be beneficial. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12887-018-1252-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Tsuzuki
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan.
| | - Naoko Ishikawa
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Hideki Miyamoto
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Christopher Dube
- Mumbwa District Community Health Office, Mumbwa, Zambia.,Ministry of Health Zambia - JICA SHIMA Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nangana Kayama
- Mumbwa District Community Health Office, Mumbwa, Zambia.,Ministry of Health Zambia - JICA SHIMA Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Janet Watala
- Mumbwa District Community Health Office, Mumbwa, Zambia.,Ministry of Health Zambia - JICA SHIMA Project, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Albert Mwango
- Ministry of Health Zambia - JICA SHIMA Project, Lusaka, Zambia.,Ministry of Health Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Impact of HIV-Status Disclosure on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV-Infected Children in Resource-Limited Settings: A Systematic Review. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:59-69. [PMID: 27395433 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric HIV remains a significant global health dilemma, especially in resource-constrained nations. As access to ART increases around the world, areas of concern in pediatric HIV treatment include age-appropriate disclosure of HIV status to children and development of adherence habits over time. This review was conducted to synthesize quantitative associations reported between disclosure and adherence among children living with HIV in resource-limited settings. An electronic database search of PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane returned 1348 results after removal of duplicates, 14 of which were found to meet inclusion criteria. Review of these reports showed conflicting results regarding the impact of disclosure on adherence, with 5 showing no association, 4 showing a negative impact of disclosure on adherence, and 5 showing positive benefits of disclosure for adherence habits. Thus, there was no clear consensus on the effect, if any, that disclosure has on medication adherence. Longitudinal, prospective research needs to be conducted to evaluate further impacts that disclosure may have on adherence habits over time, and interventions must be structured to link the two processes together in order to maximize health benefit to the child or adolescent.
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Abstract
Many of the over 3 million HIV-positive children will only be told of their status as adolescents. Knowing one's status may increase treatment adherence, reduce onward HIV transmission, increase trust in caregivers and maximise available support. Yet deciding whether, what, how and when to tell HIV-positive children about their condition is challenging for caregivers. We systematically review HIV disclosure theories before presenting a process model of caregiver paediatric HIV disclosure decision-making. The model, consisting of both a pre-intention and a post-intention stage, integrates individual and contextual determinants. It aims to be situationally specific, broadly applicable and consistent with the empirical literature. Research and practice implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Evangeli
- a Department of Psychology , Royal Holloway University of London , Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX , UK
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- b Department of Psychology , Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 , South Africa
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Disclosure of their HIV status to perinatally infected youth using the adapted Blasini disclosure model in Haiti and the Dominican Republic: preliminary results. AIDS 2015; 29 Suppl 1:S91-8. [PMID: 26049543 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the safety, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a culturally-adapted disclosure intervention for perinatally HIV-infected combined antiretroviral therapy patients in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. DESIGN A quasi-experimental trial was conducted comparing caregiver-youth pairs who completed the intervention [adapted Blasini disclosure model (aBDM)] to pairs who discontinued aBDM participation before disclosure. aBDM consists of five components: structured healthcare worker training; one-on one pre-disclosure intervention/education sessions for youth (describing pediatric chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes and HIV) and for caregivers (strengthening capacity for disclosure); a scheduled supportive disclosure session; and one-on-one postdisclosure support for caregivers and youth. METHODS Caregivers of nondisclosed combined antiretroviral therapy patients aged 10.0-17.8 years were invited to participate. Data were collected by separate one-on-one face-to-face interviews of caregivers and youth by study staff and medical record review by pediatricians at enrollment and 3 months after disclosure or after intervention discontinuation. RESULTS To date, 65 Dominican Republic and 27 Haiti caregiver-youth pairs have enrolled. At enrollment, only 46.4% of youth had viral suppression and 43.4% of caregivers had clinically significant depressive symptomatology. To date, two serious study-related adverse events have occurred. Seven of the 92 (7.6%, 6 in the Dominican Republic) enrolled pairs discontinued participation before disclosure and 39 had completed postdisclosure participation. Median plasma HIV-RNA concentration was lower in youth who completed aBDM than in youth who discontinued participation before aBDM disclosure (<40 versus 8673 copies/ml; P = 0.027). Completers expressed considerable satisfaction with aBDM. CONCLUSION Preliminary results suggest safety, acceptability, and possible effectiveness of the aBDM.
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Beck-Sagué CM, Dévieux JG, Pinzón-Iregui MC, Abreu-Pérez R, Lerebours-Nadal L, Gaston S, Dean AG, Halpern M, Rouzier V, Bertrand R, Rosenberg R, Pape JW, Nicholas SW, Blasini I. Depression in caregivers of status-naïve pediatric HIV patients participating in a status disclosure study in Haiti and the Dominican Republic: preliminary report. J Trop Pediatr 2015; 61:65-8. [PMID: 25389181 PMCID: PMC4375385 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmu060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A pilot study is underway to assess safety and acceptability of an intervention to disclose their HIV infection status to status-naïve pediatric antiretroviral therapy patients in Hispaniola [the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic (DR)]. Of 22 Haiti and 47 DR caregivers recruited to date, 68.2% Haiti and 34.0% DR caregivers had clinically significant depressive symptomatology at the time of enrollment (p = 0.008). Depressive symptom prevalence was higher in Haiti caregivers who were female (81.3% vs. 0 in males; p = 0.02) and in DR caregivers who were patients' mothers (50.0%) or grandmothers (66.7%; 56.0% combined) than others (9.1%), (p < 0.001). Internalized stigma was more commonly reported by Haiti (85.7%) than DR (53.2%; p = 0.01) caregivers; 56.4% of Haiti and DR caregivers reporting internalized stigma vs. 26.1% of caregivers denying it had depressive symptoms (p = 0.02). Depression is common in Hispaniola caregivers possibly affecting disclosure timing. Study participation presents opportunities for addressing caregiver depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo M Beck-Sagué
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA 33199
| | - Jessy G Dévieux
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA 33199
| | - María Claudia Pinzón-Iregui
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA 33199
| | - Rosa Abreu-Pérez
- Robert Reid Cabral Children's Hospital, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (DR)
| | | | - Stephanie Gaston
- Groupe Haïtien d'Etude du Sarcoma de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO), Department of Adolescent Medicine, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Andrew G Dean
- Department of Epidemiology Voluntary Faculty, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA 33136
| | - Mina Halpern
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, Department of Research, La Romana, DR
| | - Vanessa Rouzier
- Groupe Haïtien d'Etude du Sarcoma de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO), Department of Adolescent Medicine, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Rachel Bertrand
- Groupe Haïtien d'Etude du Sarcoma de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO), Department of Adolescent Medicine, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Rhonda Rosenberg
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA 33199
| | - Jean William Pape
- Groupe Haïtien d'Etude du Sarcoma de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO), Department of Adolescent Medicine, Port-au-Prince, Haiti Cornell University School of Medicine, Cornell Medical College Center for Global Health, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Stephen W Nicholas
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, Department of Research, La Romana, DR Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA 10032
| | - Ileana Blasini
- Department of Pediatrics Voluntary Faculty, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-1839
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