Iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent among human immunodeficiency virus-infected and uninfected infants in Uganda

Risk factors and prognostic significance of anemia in children with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

To establish the incidence, risk factors and prognostic effect of anemia in children living with HIV (CLWH).

DESIGN

Retrospective nested case-control study of patients 0-18 years in five centers in sub-Saharan Africa, 2004-2014.

METHODS

Incident cases of anemia were identified from electronic records and matched with CLWH without anemia. We calculated the incidence density of anemia and used conditional logistic regression to evaluate its association with risk factors, stratified by severity and type of anemia. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the impact of anemia on survival.

RESULTS

Two thousand, one hundred and thirty-seven children were sampled. The incidence density of anemia was 1 per 6.6 CLWH-years. Anemia was moderate in 31.8% and severe in 17.3% of anemia cases, which had 10-year mortality hazards of 3.4 and 4.5, respectively. Microcytic anemia (36% cases) was associated with 2.3-fold hazard of 10-year mortality, and with malnutrition and CD4 + suppression. Normocytic anemia (50.5% cases) was associated with 2.6-fold hazards of 10-year mortality, and with more severe malnutrition, CD4 + suppression, and WHO stage, but inversely associated with lamivudine and nevirapine therapy. Macrocytic anemia (13.5% cases) was neither associated with higher 10-year mortality nor with severe malnutrition or CD4 + suppression but was associated with WHO stage II/III and negatively associated with lamivudine therapy.

CONCLUSION

This large multicountry study of CLWH found a high incidence density of anemia. Higher severity, normocytic and microcytic types of anemia were independently associated with long-term mortality. Laboratory studies are needed to decipher the mechanisms of anemia and how it impacts mortality in CLWH.

Pathophysiology of Anemia in HIV-Infected Children Exposed to Malaria

Anemia is a common condition in HIV-infected children; however, its pathophysiology and the contribution of frequent causes of anemia such as iron deficiency (ID) and malaria are poorly understood. We carried out an ancillary study on the effect of HIV on anemia as part of a case-control study on risk factors of anemia among Mozambican children aged 1-59 months with documented HIV status. Of them, 390 children were admitted to the hospital with anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] < 11 g/dL), whereas 272 children without anemia (Hb ≥ 11 g/dL) were recruited in the community. We assessed differences by HIV status in the presentation of anemia etiological factors and the effect of HIV infection on the association of each factor with anemia. Among the 99 HIV-infected and 563 uninfected children included, HIV-infected anemic children had an increased risk of undernutrition (P < 0.0001), Epstein-Barr virus infection (P < 0.0001), bacteremia (P = 0.0060), a decreased risk of malaria (P < 0.0001), and a similar risk of ID (P = 0.7371) compared with anemic-uninfected children. HIV-infected children were significantly less likely to have anemia associated with Plasmodium falciparum hyperparasitemia (P = 0.0444) and had a lower prevalence of parasitemia in the bone marrow (BM) (P < 0.0001) than anemic-uninfected children. Levels of BM erythropoiesis and dyserythropoiesis were comparable between groups. These findings suggest that the pathophysiology of anemia among HIV-infected malaria-exposed children is not related to HIV-specific effects. For unclear reasons, HIV-infected children had reduced risk of malaria infection, whereas ID prevalence was comparable in HIV-infected and uninfected children, suggesting that iron supplementation recommendations should not be different in HIV-infected children.

Anemia, Iron Status, and HIV: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

People living with HIV (PLWHIV) are at high risk of anemia due to inadequate iron intake, HIV and opportunistic infections, and inflammation, and as a side effect of antiretroviral therapy. Though iron supplementation can reduce iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in the general population, its role in anemia and in the health of PLWHIV is unclear due to concerns that iron supplementation may increase HIV replication and risk of opportunistic infections. We systematically reviewed the evidence on indicators of iron status, iron intake, and clinical outcomes among adults and children with HIV. The evidence suggests that anemia is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and incident tuberculosis among HIV-infected individuals, regardless of anemia type, and the magnitude of the risk is greater with more severe anemia. High serum ferritin is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, although it is unclear if this is due to high iron or inflammation from disease progression. One large observational study found an increased risk of all-cause mortality among HIV-infected adults if they received iron supplementation. Published randomized controlled trials of iron supplementation among PLWHIV tend to have small sample sizes and have been inconclusive in terms of effectiveness and safety. Large randomized trials exploring approaches to safely and effectively provide iron supplementation to PLWHIV are warranted.

High Plasma Soluble CD163 During Infancy Is a Marker for Neurocognitive Outcomes in Early-Treated HIV-Infected Children

BACKGROUND

Monocyte activation may contribute to neuronal injury in aviremic HIV-infected adults; data are lacking in children. We examined the relation between monocyte activation markers and early and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in early-treated HIV-infected children.

SETTING

Prospective study of infant and child neurodevelopmental outcomes nested within a randomized clinical trial (NCT00428116) and extended cohort study in Kenya.

METHODS

HIV-infected infants (N = 67) initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) at age <5 months. Plasma soluble (s) CD163 (sCD163), sCD14, and neopterin were measured before ART (entry) and 6 months later. Milestone attainment was ascertained monthly during 24 months, and neuropsychological tests were performed at 5.8-8.2 years after initiation of ART (N = 27). The relationship between neurodevelopment and sCD163, sCD14, and neopterin at entry and 6 months after ART was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models and linear regression.

RESULTS

Infants with high entry sCD163 had unexpected earlier attainment of supported sitting (5 vs 6 months; P = 0.006) and supported walking (10 vs 12 months; P = 0.02) with trends in adjusted analysis. Infants with high 6-month post-ART sCD163 attained speech later (17 vs 15 months; P = 0.006; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.47; P = 0.02), threw toys later (18 vs 17 months; P = 0.01; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.53; P = 0.04), and at median 6.8 years after ART, had worse neuropsychological test scores (adj. mean Z-score differences, cognition, -0.42; P = 0.07; short-term memory, -0.52; P = 0.08; nonverbal test performance, -0.39, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Before ART, monocyte activation may reflect transient neuroprotective mechanisms in infants. After ART and viral suppression, monocyte activation may predict worse short- and long-term neurodevelopment outcomes.

Impact of Anemia on Outcome of HIV-Infected Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction

Anemia has been widely reported to predict a poorer prognosis for HIV-infected patients, both in terms of progression to AIDS and in survival. This study aimed to determine the etiology of anemia and its immunological correlation in HIV-infected children.

Materials and Methods

Four hundred and eighty-nine HIV-infected children were screened, of which 86 HIV-infected children with anemia were enrolled. Standard WHO definitions were used for anemia, HIV staging, and growth parameters. Chi-square test, t-tests, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results

Anemia was present in 17.58% (86/489) of HIV-infected children, including 84.6% with moderate anemia, 11.5% with severe anemia, and 2.32% with mild anemia. The mean hemoglobin (Hb) among patients with CD4 count <350 cell/mm³ was lower (7.90 g%) (standard deviation 1.48) compared to those having CD4 >350 cell/mm³ (P = 0.02). Children with severe immunological stage had a significantly lower mean Hb (adjusted estimate: -1.61, 95% confidence interval: -2.65, -0.56) compared to those who had normal immune status. No statistically significant differences in mean Hb at baseline when compared to various demographic and clinical characteristics were observed in unadjusted and adjusted regression models.

Conclusion

Hb is an easy and inexpensive tool to measure and can be used for monitoring disease progression in a resource-limited setting.

Prevalence of Anaemia and Associated Risk Factors among Children in North-western Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study

Background

Despite the public health significance of anaemia in African children, its broader and often preventable risk factors remain largely under described. This study investigated, for the first time, the prevalence of childhood anaemia and its risk factors in an urban setting in Uganda.

Methods

A total of 342 children were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes and analyzed using Symex 500i (Symex Corp. Japan). Stool and urine samples were analyzed according to established standard methods. Anthropometric indicators were calculated according to the CDC/WHO 1978 references. Ethical approval was granted.

Results

Categorically, the prevalence of anaemia was; 37.2, 33.3 and 11.8% among children aged 1–5 years, 6–11 years and 12–14 years respectively. Overall anaemia prevalence was 34.4%. The risk of anaemia was higher among males than females [(OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.8, 2.1), P = .22]. Malaria was associated with a 1.5 times risk of anaemia though not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis (P = .19). Maternal parity <5 (P = .002), and stunting [(OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.3, 4.7), P = .004] were positively associated with anaemia. There was a positive correlation between household size and income (Pearson X² = 22.96; P = .001), implying that large families were of higher socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that anaemia is more prevalent in the under-5 age. The risk factors are stunting and low maternal parity. Interventions that address nutritional deficiencies in both pre-school and school children are recommended. Malaria and helminthiasis control measures counter the risk of anaemia. Further studies are required to investigate the association between maternal parity and anaemia found in this study.

Maternal HIV status affects the infant hemoglobin level: A comparative cross-sectional study

Children, especially infants, are highly vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia because of their rapid growth of the brain and the rest of the body. The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in infants born from HIV-positive mothers and HIV-negative mothers and to identify the determinants of iron-deficiency anemia in infants.A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar city. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Mothers were interviewed; blood samples were collected from mothers and infants to measure the hemoglobin level and anthropometric indicators were obtained from the infants using world health organization standards. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of infantile anemia. Binary logistic regression and multiple linear regressions were used to identify the determinants of infant anemia.A total of 1459 infants born from HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers were included. The prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in infants born from HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers was 41.9% (95% CI: 39-44). Infantile iron-deficiency anemia was associated with maternal HIV infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.54 [95% CI: 1.65-3.9]), stunting (AOR 3.46 [95% CI: 2.41-4.97]), low income (AOR 2.72 [95% CI: 2-3.73]), maternal malaria during pregnancy (AOR 1.81 [95% CI: 1.33-2.47]), use of cow milk before 6 month (AOR 1.82 [95% CI: 1.35-2.45]), residence (AOR 0.09 [95% CI: 0.06-0.13]), history of cough or fever 7 days preceding the survey (AOR 2.71 [95% CI: 1.99-3.69]), maternal hemoglobin (B 0.65 [95% CI: 0.61-0.68]), educational status of mother (B 0.22 [95% CI: 0.2-0.23]), age of the mother (B -0.03 [95% CI: -0.03, -0.02]), and family size (B -0.14 [95% CI: -0.18,-0.11]).

Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on hematological indices among HIV-1 infected children at Kenyatta National Hospital-Kenya: retrospective study

Background

HIV infected children experience a range of hematological complications which show marked improvement within 6 months of initiating anti-retroviral therapy. The Objectives of the study was to describe the changes in hematological indices of HIV-1 infected children following 6 months of treatment with first line antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) regimen.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted between September and November 2008. During this period medical records of children attending Comprehensive Care Clinic at Kenyatta National hospital were reviewed daily. HIV infected children aged 5–144 months were enrolled if they had received antiretroviral drugs for at least 6 months with available and complete laboratory results.

Results

Medical records of 337 children meeting enrollment criteria were included in the study. The median age was 63 months with equal male to female ratio. Following 6 months of HAART, prevalence of anemia (Hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dl) declined significantly from 35.9 to 16.6 % a nearly 50 % reduction in the risk of anemia RR = 0.56 [(95 % CI 0.44, 0.70) p < 0.001]. There was significant increase in Hb, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and platelets above the baseline measurements (p < 0.0001) and a significant decline in total white blood cell counts >11,000 cell/mm³ but a none significant decrease in red blood cells (RBC). Pre-HAART, World Health Organization (WHO) stage 3 and 4 was associated with a ten-fold increased likelihood of anemia. Chronic malnutrition was associated with anemia but not wasting and immunologic staging of disease.

Conclusion

Hematological abnormalities changed significantly within 6 months of antiretroviral therapy with significant increase in hemoglobin level, MCV, MCH and platelet and decrease in WBC and RBC.

HIV-associated anemia after 96 weeks on therapy: determinants across age ranges in Uganda and Zimbabwe

Given the detrimental effects of HIV-associated anemia on morbidity, we determined factors associated with anemia after 96 weeks of antiretroviral therapy (ART) across age groups. An HIV-positive cohort (n=3,580) of children age 5-14, reproductive age adults 18-49, and older adults ≥50 from two randomized trials in Uganda and Zimbabwe were evaluated from initiation of therapy through 96 weeks. We conducted logistic and multinomial regression to evaluate common and differential determinants for anemia at 96 weeks on therapy. Prior to initiation of ART, the prevalence of anemia (age 5-11 <10.5 g/dl, 12-14 <11 g/dl, adult females <11 g/dl, adult males <12 g/dl) was 43%, which decreased to 13% at week 96 (p<0.001). Older adults had a significantly higher likelihood of anemia compared to reproductive age adults (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.44-4.70, p=0.002). Reproductive age females had a significantly higher odds of anemia compared to men at week 96 (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.92-3.40, p<0.001), and particularly a greater odds for microcytic anemia compared to males in the same age group (p=0.001). Other common factors associated with anemia included low body mass index (BMI) and microcytosis; greater increases in CD4 count to week 96 were protective. Thus, while ART significantly reduced the prevalence of anemia at 96 weeks, 13% of the population continued to be anemic. Specific groups, such as reproductive age females and older adults, have a greater odds of anemia and may guide clinicians to pursue further evaluation and management.

Two year mortality and associated factors in a cohort of children from rural Uganda

Background

As part of site development for clinical trials in novel TB vaccines, a cohort of infants was enrolled in eastern Uganda to estimate the incidence of tuberculosis. The study introduced several mortality reduction strategies, and evaluated the mortality among study participants at two years. The specific of objective of this sub-study was to estimate 2 year mortality and associated factors in this community-based cohort.

Methods

A community based cohort of 2500 infants was enrolled from birth up to 8 weeks of age and followed for 1–2 years. During follow up, several mortality reduction activities were implemented to enhance cohort survival and retention. The verbal autopsy process was used to assign causes of death.

Results

A total of 152 children died over a median follow up period of 2.0 years. The overall crude mortality rate was 60.8/1000 or 32.9/1000 person years with 40 deaths per 1000 for children who died in their first year of life. Anaemia, malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia were the top causes of death. There was no death directly attributed to tuberculosis. Significant factors associated with mortality were young age of a mother and child’s birth place not being a health facility.

Conclusion

The overall two year mortality in the study cohort was unacceptably high and tuberculosis disease was not identified as a cause of death. Interventions to reduce mortality of children enrolled in the cohort study did not have a significant impact. Clinical trials involving infants and young children in this setting will have to strengthen local maternal and child health services to reduce infant and child mortality.

Multivitamin supplementation improves haematologic status in children born to HIV-positive women in Tanzania

Introduction

Anaemia is prevalent among children born to HIV-positive women, and it is associated with adverse effects on cognitive and motor development, growth, and increased risks of morbidity and mortality.

Objective

To examine the effect of daily multivitamin supplementation on haematologic status and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV through breastfeeding.

Methods

A total of 2387 infants born to HIV-positive women from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, and provided a daily oral supplement of multivitamins (vitamin B complex, C and E) or placebo at age 6 weeks for 24 months. Among them, 2008 infants provided blood samples and had haemoglobin concentrations measured at baseline and during a follow-up period. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentrations<11 g/dL and severe anaemia<8.5 g/dL.

Results

Haemoglobin concentrations among children in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group at 12 (9.77 vs. 9.64 g/dL, p=0.03), 18 (9.76 vs. 9.57 g/dL, p=0.004), and 24 months (9.93 vs. 9.75 g/dL, p=0.02) of follow-up. Compared to those in the placebo group, children in the treatment group had a 12% lower risk of anaemia (hazard ratio (HR): 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79–0.99; p=0.03). The treatment was associated with a 28% reduced risk of severe anaemia among children born to women without anaemia (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56–0.92; p=0.008), but not among those born to women with anaemia (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.79–1.54; p=0.57; p for interaction=0.007). One thousand seven hundred fifty three infants who tested HIV-negative at baseline and had HIV testing during follow-up were included in the analysis for MTCT of HIV. No association was found between multivitamin supplements and MTCT of HIV.

Conclusions

Multivitamin supplements improve haematologic status among children born to HIV-positive women. Further trials focusing on anaemia among HIV-exposed children are warranted in the context of antiretroviral therapy.

Causal inference regarding infectious aetiology of chronic conditions: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The global burden of disease has shifted from communicable diseases in children to chronic diseases in adults. This epidemiologic shift varies greatly by region, but in Europe, chronic conditions account for 86% of all deaths, 77% of the disease burden, and up to 80% of health care expenditures. A number of risk factors have been implicated in chronic diseases, such as exposure to infectious agents. A number of associations have been well established while others remain uncertain.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We assessed the body of evidence regarding the infectious aetiology of chronic diseases in the peer-reviewed literature over the last decade. Causality was assessed with three different criteria: First, the total number of associations documented in the literature between each infectious agent and chronic condition; second, the epidemiologic study design (quality of the study); third, evidence for the number of Hill's criteria and Koch's postulates that linked the pathogen with the chronic condition. We identified 3136 publications, of which 148 were included in the analysis. There were a total of 75 different infectious agents and 122 chronic conditions. The evidence was strong for five pathogens, based on study type, strength and number of associations; they accounted for 60% of the associations documented in the literature. They were human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus, and Chlamydia pneumoniae and were collectively implicated in the aetiology of 37 different chronic conditions. Other pathogens examined were only associated with very few chronic conditions (≤ 3) and when applying the three different criteria of evidence the strength of the causality was weak.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention and treatment of these five pathogens lend themselves as effective public health intervention entry points. By concentrating research efforts on these promising areas, the human, economic, and societal burden arising from chronic conditions can be reduced.

Positive association between dietary iron intake and iron status in HIV-infected children in Johannesburg, South Africa

Anemia is a common complication of pediatric HIV infection and is associated with suboptimal cognitive performance and growth failure. Routine iron supplementation is not provided to South African HIV-infected children. We hypothesized that dietary iron intake without supplementation is sufficient to protect against iron deficiency (ID) in HIV-infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. In this prospective study, the difference between dietary intakes of iron-deficient children (soluble transferrin receptor >9.4 mg/L) and iron-sufficient children after 18 months on highly active antiretroviral therapy was examined. The association between iron intake and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was also assessed. Longitudinal data collected for 18 months from 58 HIV-infected African children were assessed by generalized estimation equations, with adjustment for demographic information, dietary intakes, growth parameters, and CD4%. After adjustment for covariates, the longitudinal association between dietary iron intake and Hb concentration remained significant. This association shows that for every 1-mg increase in iron intake per day, Hb increases by 1.1 g/L (P < .001). Mean Hb increased significantly after 18 months of follow-up (106 ± 14 to 129 ± 14 g/L, P < .01), but soluble transferrin receptor also increased (7.7 ± 2.7 to 8.9 ± 3.0 mg/L, P < .01). The incidence of ID increased from 15.2% at baseline to 37.2% after 18 months. Children with animal protein intakes greater than >20 g/d had significantly lower odds for ID at 18 months than did children with lower intakes (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.77). Dietary iron intake was insufficient to protect against ID, pointing to a need for low-dose iron supplementation for iron-deficient HIV-infected children and interventions to increase the consumption of animal protein.

Prevalence of anemia and underlying iron status in naive antiretroviral therapy HIV-infected children with moderate immune suppression

Anemia is common in HIV-infected children and iron deficiency is thought to be a common cause. This study investigates the prevalence of anemia, thalassemia, and underlying iron status in Thai and Cambodian children without advanced HIV disease to determine the necessity of routine iron supplementation. Antiretroviral (ARV)-naive HIV-infected Asian children aged 1-12 years, with CD4 15-24%, CDC A or B, and hemoglobin (Hb) ≥7.5 g/dl were eligible for the study. Iron studies, serum ferritin, Hb typing, and C-reactive protein were assessed. Anemia was defined as Hb <11.0 g/dl in children <5 years of age or <11.5 g/dl in children 5-12 years. We enrolled 299 children; 57.9% were female and the mean (SD) age was 6.3 (2.9) years. The mean (SD) CD4% and HIV-RNA were 20% (4.6) and 4.6 (0.6) log(10) copies/ml, respectively. The mean (SD) Hb and serum ferritin were 11.2 (1.1) g/dl and 78.3 (76.4) μg/liter, respectively. The overall iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevalence was 2.7%. One hundred and forty-eight (50%) children had anemia, mostly of a mild degree. Of these, 69 (46.6%) had the thalassemia trait, 62 (41.8%) had anemia of chronic disease (ACD), 9 (6.1%) had thalassemia diseases, 3 (2.0%) had iron deficiency anemia, and 5 (3.4%) had IDA and the thalassemia trait. The thalassemia trait was not associated with increased serum ferritin levels. Mild anemia is common in ARV-naïve Thai and Cambodian children without advanced HIV. However, IDA prevalence is low; with the majority of cases caused by ACD. A routine prescription of iron supplement in anemic HIV-infected children without laboratory confirmation of IDA should be discouraged, especially in regions with a high prevalence of thalassemia and low prevalence of IDA.

Growth patterns and anaemia status of HIV-infected children living in an institutional facility in India

OBJECTIVE

To understand the health status of HIV orphans in a well-structured institutional facility in India.

METHOD

Prospective longitudinal analysis of growth and anaemia prevalence among these children, between June 2008 and May 2011.

RESULTS

A total of 85 HIV-infected orphan children residing at Sneha Care Home, Bangalore, for at least 1 year, were included in the analysis. Prevalence of anaemia at entry into the home was 40%, with the cumulative incidence of anaemia during the study period being 85%. At baseline, 79% were underweight and 72% were stunted. All children, irrespective of their antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, showed an improvement in nutritional status over time as demonstrated by a significant increase in weight (median weight-for-age Z-score: -2.75 to -1.74, P < 0.001) and height Z-scores (median height-for-age Z-score: -2.69 to -1.63, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that good nutrition even in the absence of ART can bring about improvement in growth. The Sneha Care Home model indicates that the holistic approach used in the Home may have been helpful in combating HIV and poor nutritional status in severely malnourished orphaned children.

The prevalence and etiology of anemia among HIV-infected children in India

In this report, the prevalence and multifactorial etiology of anemia among Indian human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children are described. HIV-infected children aged 2-12 years were prospectively enrolled in 2007-2008. Measured parameters included serum ferritin, vitamin B(12), red-cell folate, soluble transferrin receptor, and C-reactive protein. Children received antiretroviral therapy (ART), iron and, folate supplements as per standard of care. Among 80 enrolled HIV-infected children (mean age 6.8 years), the prevalence of anemia was 52.5%. Etiology of anemia was found to be iron deficiency alone in 38.1%, anemia of inflammation alone in 38.1%, combined iron deficiency and anemia of inflammation alone in 7.1%, vitamin B(12) deficiency in 7.1%, and others in 9.5%. Median iron intake was 5.7 mg/day (recommended dietary allowance 18-26 mg/day). Compared to nonanemic children, anemic children were more likely to be underweight (weight Z-score -2.5 vs. -1.9), stunted (height Z-score -2.6 vs. -1.9), with lower CD4 counts (18% vs. 24%, p < 0.01), and higher log viral load (11.1 vs. 7.1, p < 0.01). Hemoglobin (Hb) improved significantly among those who started ART (baseline Hb 11.6 g/dl, 6-month Hb 12.2 g/dl, p = 0.03). Children taking ART combined with iron supplements experienced a larger increase in Hb compared to those receiving neither ART nor iron supplements (mean Hb change 1.5 g/dl, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia and anemia of inflammation, is highly prevalent among children with HIV infection. Micronutrient supplements combined with ART improved anemia in HIV-infected children.

Increased risk of severe infant anemia after exposure to maternal HAART, Botswana

BACKGROUND

Maternal highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission but may increase the risk for infant anemia.

METHODS

The incidence of first severe anemia (grade 3 or 4, Division of AIDS 2004 Toxicity Table) was assessed among HIV-uninfected infants in the Mashi and Mma Bana mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention trials in Botswana. Severe anemia rates were compared between 3 groups: infants exposed to maternal HAART in utero and during breastfeeding (BF) and 1 month of postnatal zidovudine (ZDV) (HAART-BF); infants exposed to maternal ZDV in utero, 6 months of postnatal ZDV, and BF (ZDV-BF); and infants exposed to maternal ZDV in utero, 1 month of postnatal ZDV, and formula-feeding (ZDV-FF).

RESULTS

A total of 1719 infants were analyzed-691 HAART-BF, 503 ZDV-BF, and 525 ZDV-FF. Severe anemia was detected in 118 infants (7.4%). By 6 months, 12.5% of HAART-BF infants experienced severe anemia, compared with 5.3% of ZDV-BF (P < 0.001) and 2.5% of ZDV-FF infants (P < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, HAART-BF infants were at greater risk of severe anemia than ZDV-BF or ZDV-FF infants (adjusted odds ratios 2.6 and 5.8, respectively; P < 0.001). Most anemias were asymptomatic and improved with iron/multivitamin supplementation and cessation of ZDV exposure. However, 11 infants (0.6% of all infants) required transfusion for symptomatic anemia. Microcytosis and hypochromia were common among infants with severe anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to maternal HAART starting in utero was associated with severe infant anemia. Confirmation of this finding and possible strategies to mitigate hematologic toxicity warrant further study.

Treatment for anemia in people with AIDS

BACKGROUND

Anemia is common in persons with HIV infection and is associated with poor prognosis. There is a need to assess the effects of anemia treatments, and to determine whether these interventions are beneficial.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of treatments for anemia in people with HIV infection and AIDS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 10, 2010), MEDLINE (1980-November 25, 2010), EMBASE (1980-November 25, 2010), LlLACS (1982 to November 25, 2010), Africa Index Medicus (up to November 9, 2010), ISI Web of Knowledge (2005 to October 9, 2010), Scirus (October 9, 2010) reference lists of relevant articles. We asked the Cochrane HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy and Childbirth Groups to check their Specialised Registers. We also checked the reference lists of all trials identified by the above methods.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials assessing the effects of treatments for anemia in people diagnosed with HIV infection. There were no age restrictions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed relevant studies for inclusion. Data extraction and quality assessment of relevant studies was performed by two authors and checked by the other two authors.

MAIN RESULTS

Six trials with a high risk of bias, including 537 patients, met the inclusion criteria. These trials only covered recombinant Human erythropoietin alfa (rHuEPO). Two of them including adult and paediatric participants (84 participants and 4 events) comparing rHuEPO to placebo did not reduce the risk of mortality with a follow up to 12 weeks (pooled RR 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 4.05, I(2) = 0%). Any trials that compared rHuEPO to placebo did not show any benefit on hematological values response, number of patients transfused, or number of packed red cell transfused. Two trial compared the effects of two rHuEPO dosing regimens on hemoglobin value and quality of life, but the effects are unclear. Three RCT reported high risk of attrition bias; therefore, were not included in a meta-analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane review provides evidence that rHuEPO compared with placebo does not reduce mortality, does not reduce transfusion requirements, did not increase hemoglobin levels, and did not improve quality of life in HIV-infected patients with anemia. The results are based on six RCTs with high risk of bias. Therefore prescription of this intervention for treating anemia in patients with AIDS is not justified, unless new evidence from a large high quality trial alters this conclusion.

Iron and zinc content of selected foods in the diet of schoolchildren in Kumi district, east of Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for humans and deficiency of the two elements is widespread in the world with the highest prevalence in less developed countries. There are few data on dietary intake of iron and zinc in Uganda, and no food composition table is available. There is hardly any widely published literature that clearly documents the quality of Ugandan children's diet. Thus information of both food intake and the concentration of these trace elements in local food ingredients are needed in order to assess daily intake.

METHODS

The present study focused on the iron and zinc content in selected foods and intake of the micronutrients iron and zinc among schoolchildren in Kumi District, Uganda. Over a period of 4 weeks single 24-hour dietary recall interviews were carried out on a convenience sample of 178 schoolchildren (9-15 years old). Data from the dietary recalls was used when selecting foods for chemical analysis.

RESULTS

Results from this study showed that the iron concentrations varied, and were high in some cereals and vegetables. The zinc concentrations in foods generally corresponded with results from other African countries (Mali and Kenya). Data from the 24-hour dietary recall showed that the daily Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) was met for iron but not for zinc.

CONCLUSIONS

The schoolchildren of Kumi district had a predominantly vegetable based diet. Foods of animal origin were consumed occasionally. The iron content in the selected foods was high and variable, and higher than in similar ingredients from Kenya and Mali, while the zinc concentrations were generally in accordance with reported values. The total daily zinc (mg) intake does not meet the daily RNI. The iron intake is adequate according to RNI, but due to iron contamination and reduced bioavailability, RNI may not be met in a vegetable based diet. More studies are needed to investigate possible sources of contamination.

Iron deficiency anemia: focus on infectious diseases in lesser developed countries

Iron deficiency anemia is thought to affect the health of more than one billion people worldwide, with the greatest burden of disease experienced in lesser developed countries, particularly women of reproductive age and children. This greater disease burden is due to both nutritional and infectious etiologies. Individuals in lesser developed countries have diets that are much lower in iron, less access to multivitamins for young children and pregnant women, and increased rates of fertility which increase demands for iron through the life course. Infectious diseases, particularly parasitic diseases, also lead to both extracorporeal iron loss and anemia of inflammation, which decreases bioavailability of iron to host tissues. This paper will address the unique etiologies and consequences of both iron deficiency anemia and the alterations in iron absorption and distribution seen in the context of anemia of inflammation. Implications for diagnosis and treatment in this unique context will also be discussed.

Role of Nutrition in HIV Infection: Review of Evidence for more Effective Programming in Resource-Limited Settings

Background

HIV infection and malnutrition negatively reinforce each other.

Objective

For program guidance, to review evidence on the relationship of HIV infection and malnutrition in adults in resource-limited settings.

Results and conclusions

Adequate nutritional status supports immunity and physical performance. Weight loss, caused by low dietary intake (loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, food insecurity), malabsorption, and altered metabolism, is common in HIV infection. Regaining weight, particularly muscle mass, requires antiretroviral therapy (ART), treatment of opportunistic infections, consumption of a balanced diet, physical activity, mitigation of side effects, and perhaps appetite stimulants and growth hormone. Correcting nutritional status becomes more difficult as infection progresses. Studies document widespread micronutrient deficiencies among HIV-infected people. However, supplement composition, patient characteristics, and treatments vary widely across intervention studies. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ensuring intake of 1 Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of each required micronutrient, which may require taking micronutrient supplements. Few studies have assessed the impact of food supplements. Because the mortality risk in patients receiving ART increases with lower body mass index (BMI), improving the BMI seems important. Whether this requires provision of food supplements depends on the patient's diet and food security. It appears that starting ART improves BMI and that ready-to-use fortified spreads and fortified-blended foods further increase BMI (the effect is somewhat less with fortified-blended foods). The studies are too small to assess effects on mortality. Once ART has been established and malnutrition treated, the nutritional quality of the diet remains important, also because of ART's long-term metabolic effects (dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity). Food insecurity should also be addressed if it prevents adequate energy intake and reduces treatment initiation and adherence (due to the opportunity costs of obtaining treatment and mitigating side effects).

Role of nutrients in the development of neonatal immune response

Nutrients exert unique regulatory effects in the perinatal period that mold the developing immune system. The interactions of micronutrients and microbial and environmental antigens condition the post-birth maturation of the immune system, influencing reactions to allergens, fostering tolerance towards the emerging gastrointestinal flora and ingested antigens, and defining patterns of host defense against potential pathogens. The shared molecular structures that are present on microbes or certain plants, but not expressed by human cells, are recognized by neonatal innate immune receptors. Exposure to these activators in the environment through dietary intake in early life can modify the immune response to allergens and prime the adaptive immune response towards pathogens that express the corresponding molecular structures.

Anemia of inflammation is related to cognitive impairment among children in Leyte, the Philippines

Background

Many studies have addressed the relationship between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and cognitive impairment, but none have evaluated the role of non-iron deficiency anemia (NIDA). One of the main causes of NIDA in developing countries is AI, largely due to infectious diseases, whereby iron is shunted away from bio-available forms to storage forms, making it less accessible for use by host tissues. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of NIDA, due largely to AI in this context, on cognitive function after adjustment for potential confounders.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Leyte, The Philippines among 322 children ages 7–18 years. Blood samples were collected and analyzed at the time of cognition testing. Three stool samples were collected and evaluated by the Kato Katz method for quantitative assessment for Schistosoma japonicum and geo-helminth infection. Socio-economic status (SES) was evaluated by survey. Linear regression models were used to quantify the adjusted relationship between performance in different cognitive domains and both IDA and NIDA.

Principal Findings

After adjusting for age, sex, SES and nutritional status, children in the NIDA had lower scores on the PNIT (P = <0.05) and the WRAML memory domain (P<0.05) compared to children in the non-anemic group. Children in the IDA had lower performance on the PNIT compared to the non-anemic group after controlling for potential confounders (P<0.05).

Conclusions

NIDA, predominantly due to AI in this context, was related to lower performance on two tests of cognitive function. This is likely due to decreased delivery of iron to host tissues in this context, including the CNS.

Past studies have demonstrated that iron deficiency anemia is related to deficits in cognitive fucntioning in children, and treating iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation can improve cognition. Anemia of inflammation is another type of anemia caused by many diseases of lesser-developed countries including bacterial and parasitic infections. Anemia of inflammation is characterized by disordered iron metabolism, such that iron is sequestered in storage forms, preventing its use from tissues that require it. We hypothesized that decreased iron delivery to the brain in the context of anemia of inflammation might lead to decreased cognitive performance. This study found that children with anemia of inflammation had decreased cognitive performance in specific domains, compared to subjects with no anemia. True total body iron deficiency anemia was related to lower performance in the same domains. The only treatment option for anemia of inflammation is treatment of the underlying disease. Iron supplementation will not prevent cognitive deficits in children with anemia of inflammation. Interventions aimed towards maximizing the cognitive development of children in lesser-developed countries will need to focus on the prevention and treatment of bacterial and parasitic infections.

Predictors and consequences of anaemia among antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children in Tanzania

OBJECTIVE

Predictors and consequences of childhood anaemia in settings with high HIV prevalence are not well known. The aims of the present study were to identify maternal and child predictors of anaemia among children born to HIV-infected women and to study the association between childhood anaemia and mortality.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study. Maternal characteristics during pregnancy and Hb measurements at 3-month intervals from birth were available for children. Information was also collected on malaria and HIV infection in the children, who were followed up for survival status until 24 months after birth.

SETTING

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

SUBJECTS

The study sample consisted of 829 children born to HIV-positive women.

RESULTS

Advanced maternal clinical HIV disease (relative risk (RR) for stage > or =2 v. stage 1: 1.31, 95 % CI 1.14, 1.51) and low CD4 cell counts during pregnancy (RR for <350 cells/mm3 v. > or =350 cells/mm3: 1.58, 95 % CI 1.05, 2.37) were associated with increased risk of anaemia among children. Birth weight <2500 g, preterm birth (<34 weeks), malaria parasitaemia and HIV infection in the children also increased the risk of anaemia. Fe-deficiency anaemia in children was an independent predictor of mortality in the first two years of life (hazard ratio 1.99, 95 % CI 1.06, 3.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive care including highly active antiretroviral therapy to eligible HIV-infected women during pregnancy could reduce the burden of anaemia in children. Programmes for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and antimalarial treatment to children could improve child survival in settings with high HIV prevalence.

Iron, folate and vitamin B12 parameters in HIV-1 infected patients with anaemia in southern Brazil

We conducted a study to determine the role of iron, folate and vitamin B12 in HIV-infected patients with anaemia attending a tertiary-care hospital in southern Brazil. Low serum folate levels were found in 14 (41%) HIV-infected patients; parameters of iron deficiency such as low transferring saturation index and ferritin in 10 (30%); and combined folate and iron deficiency in five (14%). Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in only two (6%) patients who presented with mean corpuscular volumes within the normal range. Our study has shown that folate and iron deficiency were frequently detected in HIV-infected patients at our institution, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anaemia in all HIV-infected patients independent of their HIV stage of progression.

Anemia and growth failure among HIV-infected children in India: a retrospective analysis

Background

Anemia and poor nutrition have been previously described as independent risk factors for death among HIV-infected children. We sought to describe nutritional status, anemia burden and HIV disease correlates among infected children in India.

Methods

We analyzed retrospective data from 248 HIV-infected children aged 1–12 years attending three outpatient clinics in South India (2004–2006). Standard WHO definitions were used for anemia, HIV staging and growth parameters. Statistical analysis included chi square, t tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The overall prevalence of anemia (defined as hemoglobin < 11 gm/dL) was 66%, and 8% had severe anemia (Hb < 7 gm/dL). The proportion of underweight and stunted children in the population was 55% and 46% respectively. Independent risk factors of anemia by multivariate analysis included the pre-school age group (age younger than 6 years) (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.45, 5.70; p < 0.01), rural residence (OR: 12.04; 95% CI: 5.64, 26.00; p < 0.01), advanced HIV disease stage (OR: 6.95; 95% CI: 3.06, 15.79; p < 0.01) and presence of stunting (Height-for-age Z Score < -2) (OR: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.65, 6.35; p < 0.01). Use of iron/multivitamin supplementation was protective against risk of anemia (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.90; p = 0.03). Pulmonary tuberculosis was an independent risk factor in multivariate analysis (OR: 3.36; 95% CI: 1.43, 7.89; p < 0.01) when correlated variables such as HIV disease stage and severe immunodeficiency, and nutritional supplement use were not included. Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was associated with a reduced risk of anemia (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.53; p < 0.01). No significant association was found between anemia and gender, cotrimoxazole, or ART type (zidovudine versus stavudine).

Conclusion

The high prevalence and strong interrelationship of anemia and poor nutrition among HIV-infected children in India, particularly those living in rural areas underscores the need for incorporating targeted nutritional interventions during national scale up of care, support and treatment among HIV-infected children.

Iron supplementation for reducing morbidity and mortality in children with HIV

BACKGROUND

The most prevalent haematologic disturbance associated with HIV in children (apart from CD4 lymphocytopenia) is anaemia. Anaemia associated with HIV arises from multiple mechanisms, including the direct inhibitory effect of HIV on red cell precursors, other locally prevalent and/or opportunistic infections, micronutrient deficiency, anaemia of chronic disease, and as a consequence of medicines given for HIV and/or other concurrent illnesses. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of nutritional anaemia globally. There is significant geographical overlap of areas of the world where iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and paediatric HIV are distributed. Given the high prevalence of IDA, it is likely that many HIV-infected children also are iron deficient. The contribution of iron deficiency to anaemia in HIV-infected children has been described but is incompletely understood. Currently, iron supplementation for anaemic infants and children is routinely practiced without any obvious effect in most developing countries, which bear most of the burden of global paediatric HIV infections.Because iron deficiency and IDA are common in HIV-infected children in high-prevalence areas and because there are concerns about possible deleterious effects of iron, this review aims to assess the evidence for iron supplementation for reducing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether iron supplementation improves clinical, immunologic, and virologic outcomes in children infected with HIV SEARCH STRATEGY: We used the comprehensive search strategy developed specifically by the Cochrane HIV/AIDS Review Group to identify HIV/AIDS randomised controlled trials, and searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (searched November 2007); Embase (searched December 2007); and CENTRAL (December 2007). This search was supplemented with a search of AIDSearch (searched December 2007) and NLM Gateway (searched December 2007) to identify relevant conference abstracts, as well as a search of the reference lists of all eligible articles. The search was not limited by language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of iron supplementation in any form and dose in HIV-infected children aged 12 years and younger.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We independently screened the results of the search to select potentially relevant studies and to retrieve the full articles. We independently applied the inclusion criteria to the potentially relevant studies. No studies were identified that fulfilled the selection criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

No RCTs of iron supplementation in HIV-infected children were found.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

The current clinical practice of iron supplementation in HIV-infected children is based on weak evidence comprising observational studies and expert opinions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

High-quality RCTs of iron supplementation are urgently required, especially in areas with significant overlap of high prevalence of HIV, iron deficiency anaemia, and malaria. Policy makers should prioritise funding for these trials.

Unexplained decline in the prevalence of anemia among US children and women between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002

BACKGROUND

The current anemia burden among US preschool children and women of childbearing age has not been documented.

OBJECTIVE

We used data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1988-1994 and 1999-2002 to examine recent anemia changes.

DESIGN

We calculated the prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL at <24 mo, <11.1 g/dL at 24-59 mo, and <12.0 g/dL for women), iron deficiency anemia (anemia plus abnormal value >or=2: serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and erythrocyte protoporphyrin), and high blood lead (>or=10 microg/dL) with anemia among children 12-59 mo and women 20-49 y in both surveys. Among women, we also calculated the prevalence of folate deficiency (erythrocyte folate < 317.2 nmol/L) with anemia and high C-reactive protein (>10 mg/L) with anemia. Multiple logistic regression was used to compare anemia prevalence between surveys, with control for race and age.

RESULTS

Anemia declined significantly in children (from 8.0% to 3.6%; OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.7) and women (10.8% to 6.9%; OR: 0.6; CI: 0.4, 0.7), but the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia did not change significantly in children (1.5% compared with 1.2%; OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.5) or women (4.9% compared with 4.1%; OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.1). Folate deficiency with anemia declined significantly in women (from 4.1% to 0.5%; OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.2), but logistic regression models and standardization indicated that none of the known possible anemia causes could account for the decline in total anemia in children or women.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of anemia declined significantly among US women and children between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, but this decline was not associated with changes in iron or folate deficiency, inflammation, or high blood lead.

HIV-associated anemia in children: a systematic review from a global perspective

OBJECTIVES

To assess the importance of anemia in HIV-infected children in western and tropical settings.

DESIGN

A systematic review with a descriptive component.

METHODS

: Four databases were searched and reference lists of pertinent articles were checked. Studies that reported data on anemia or hemoglobin levels in HIV-infected children were selected and grouped according to the location and the definition of anemia.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Mild (hemoglobin <11 g/dl) and moderate (hemoglobin <9 g/dl) anemia were more prevalent with HIV infection (odds ratio 4.5; 95% confidence interval 2.5-8.3 and odds ratio 4.5; 95% confidence interval 2.0-10.3, respectively). Mean hemoglobin levels were lower (standardized mean difference; 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.47-1.10). These differences were observed in both western and tropical settings. Anemia incidence ranged from 0.41 to 0.44 per person-year. There was limited data on more severe anemia (hemoglobin <7 or <5 g/dl). As anemia was frequently identified as an independent risk factor for disease progression and death, we next reviewed the limited data to formulate better strategies. Failure of erythropoiesis was the most important mechanism for anemia in HIV-infected children. Therapeutic options include highly active antiretroviral therapy and prevention or treatment of secondary infections. Erythropoietin can improve anemia in children, but it has not been evaluated in developing countries. Micronutrient supplementation may be helpful in individual children. The potential benefits or risks of iron supplementation in HIV-infected children require evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Anemia is a very common complication of pediatric HIV infection, associated with a poor prognosis. With the increasing global availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, more data on the safety and efficacy of possible interventions in children are urgently needed.

Soluble transferrin receptor as an indicator of iron deficiency in HIV-infected infants

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency is common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected infants in sub-Saharan Africa. It is not known whether soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a good indicator of iron deficiency in infants with HIV.

METHODS

We evaluated sTfR as an indicator of iron deficiency in 134 HIV-infected 9-month-old infants in Kampala, Uganda. Ferritin <12 microg/L and microcytic, hypochromic anaemia were used as indicators of iron deficiency, respectively. The presence of inflammation was indicated by C-reactive protein >5 mg/L or alpha1-acid glycoprotein >1 g/L.

RESULTS

Receiver operator characteristic curves showed that the area under the curve was 0.67 when sTfR receptor was compared with low ferritin and 0.71 when sTfR was compared with microcytic, hypochromic anaemia. The appropriate calculated cut-offs of sTfR >3.74 microg/mL (43.98 nmol/L) and >3.53 microg/mL (41.55 nmol/L) show adequate specificities of 60% and sensitivities of 63% and 69% for low ferritin and microcytic, hypochromic anaemia, respectively. C-reactive protein and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein were strongly correlated with serum ferritin (r=0.371 and r=0.458, respectively, both p<0.0001) but were not correlated with sTfR (r=0.009 and r= -0.003, respectively, both p=0.9). In all, 78.6% of infants had alpha l-acid glycoprotein >1 g/L and 54.7% had C-reactive protein >5 g/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Soluble TfR appears to be an adequate indicator of iron deficiency in HIV-infected infants.

Multivitamin supplementation improves hematologic status in HIV-infected women and their children in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a frequent complication among HIV-infected persons and is associated with faster disease progression and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effect of multivitamin supplementation on hemoglobin concentrations and the risk of anemia among HIV-infected pregnant women and their children.

DESIGN

HIV-1-infected pregnant women (n = 1078) from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, were enrolled in a double-blind trial and provided daily supplements of preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene, multivitamins (vitamins B, C, and E), preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene + multivitamins, or placebo. All women received iron and folate supplements only during pregnancy according to local standard of care. The median follow-up time for hemoglobin measurement for mothers was 57.3 mo [interquartile range (IQR): 28.6-66.8] and for children it was 28.0 mo (IQR: 5.3-41.7).

RESULTS

During the whole period, hemoglobin concentrations among women who received multivitamins were 0.33 g/dL higher than among women who did not receive multivitamins (P=0.07). Compared with placebo, multivitamin supplementation resulted in a hemoglobin increase of 0.59 g/dL during the first 2 y after enrollment (P=0.0002). Compared with placebo, the children born to mothers who received multivitamins had a reduced risk of anemia. In this group, the risk of macrocytic anemia was 63% lower than in the placebo group (relative risk: 0.37: 95% CI: 0.18, 0.79; P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Multivitamin supplementation provided during pregnancy and in the postpartum period resulted in significant improvements in hematologic status among HIV-infected women and their children, which provides further support for the value of multivitamin supplementation in HIV-infected adults.

Micronutrients in HIV-positive persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

In HIV-infected persons, low serum concentrations of vitamins and minerals, termed micronutrients, are associated with an increased risk of HIV disease progression and mortality. Micronutrient supplements can delay HIV disease progression and reduce mortality in HIV-positive persons not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). With the transition to more universal access to HAART, a better understanding of micronutrient deficiencies and the role of micronutrient supplements in HIV-positive persons receiving HAART has become a priority. The provision of simple, inexpensive micronutrient supplements as an adjunct to HAART may have several cellular and clinical benefits, such as a reduction in mitochondrial toxicity and oxidative stress and an improvement in immune reconstitution. We reviewed observational and trial evidence on micronutrients in HIV-positive persons receiving HAART to summarize the current literature and suggest future research priorities. A small number of observational studies have suggested that some, but not all, micronutrients may become replete after HAART initiation, and few intervention studies have found that certain micronutrients may be a beneficial adjunct to HAART. However, most of these studies had some major limitations, including a small sample size, a short duration of follow-up, a lack of adjustment for inflammatory markers, and an inadequate assessment of HIV-related outcomes. Therefore, few data are available to determine whether HAART ameliorates micronutrient deficiencies or to recommend or refute the benefit of providing micronutrient supplements to HIV-positive persons receiving HAART. Because micronutrient supplementation may cause harm, randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed. Future research should determine whether HAART initiation restores micronutrient concentrations, independent of inflammatory markers, and whether micronutrient supplements affect HIV-related outcomes in HIV-positive persons receiving HAART.

Treatment for anemia in people with AIDS

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common clinical disease in persons with HIV infection and is associated with poor prognosis. There is a need to assess the effects of anemia treatments, and to determine whether these interventions are beneficial.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of treatments for anemia in people with HIV infection and AIDS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1980-July 2005), EMBASE (1980-July 2005), LlLACS (1982 to July 2005), reference lists of relevant articles and contact with authors. See Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group search strategy.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials assessing the effects of treatments for anemia in people diagnosed with HIV infection. There were no age restrictions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both authors independently assessed relevant studies for inclusion. Data extraction and quality assessment of relevant studies was performed by one author and checked by the other author.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four trials, but focused on the results based on three trials with acceptable attrition rate. None of the trials reported data on death. The two trials that compared recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to placebo did not show any benefit on hematological values response, number of patients transfused, or number of packed red cell transfused. One trial compared the effects of two rHuEPO dosing regimens on hemoglobin value and quality of life, but the effects are unclear.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of reliable evidence on interventions for treating anemia in patients with HIV infection. This Cochrane review has found some evidence that rHuEPO reduces transfusion requirements, increases hemoglobin levels, and improves quality of life in HIV-infected patients with anemia. However, this is based on evidence from randomized trials with weak or poor methodological quality. There is a need for randomized trials of high methodological quality to evaluate the effect of interventions on anemia in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Low plasma selenium concentrations, high plasma human immunodeficiency virus load and high interleukin-6 concentrations are risk factors associated with anemia in adults presenting with pulmonary tuberculosis in Zomba district, Malawi

BACKGROUND

Although anemia is common among adults with pulmonary tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sub-Saharan Africa, the factors contributing to its pathogenesis have not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the antioxidant micronutrient status, interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, and HIV load in relationship with anemia in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis.

SETTING

Zomba district, Malawi.

METHODS

Erythropoietin, IL-6, plasma HIV load, and markers of micronutrient status (hemoglobin (Hb), plasma concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, carotenoids, ferritin, zinc, and selenium) were measured in 500 adults who presented with pulmonary tuberculosis in Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi.

RESULTS

Among 370 HIV-positive and 130 HIV-negative adults, the prevalence of anemia was 88 and 77%, respectively (P = 0.002), and moderate to severe anemia (Hb < 80 g/l) occurred in 30 and 15%, respectively (P = 0.001). Geometric mean IL-6 concentration was 21.1 pg/ml, with no difference between HIV-positive and -negative adults. The erythropoietin response to anemia was not different between adults with elevated IL-6 and those with lower IL-6 concentrations. In a multivariate logistic regression model, HIV load, and lower plasma selenium concentrations were associated with moderate to severe anemia. In a final multivariate linear regression model, IL-6, plasma HIV load, and plasma selenium concentrations were associated with Hb concentrations.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that low selenium concentrations, high HIV load, and high IL-6 concentrations are associated with anemia in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa.

Short-term effects of vitamin A and antimalarial treatment on erythropoiesis in severely anemic Zanzibari preschool children

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of anemia in coastal East Africa is complex. Impaired erythropoietin production is one possible mechanism. Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been found to blunt erythropoietin production, whereas vitamin A stimulates erythropoietin production in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the 72-h effects of vitamin A and the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine pyramethamine (SP) on erythropoietin production in severely anemic (hemoglobin < or = 70 g/L) preschool children in Zanzibar, a region of known vitamin A deficiency. We hypothesized that both treatments would stimulate erythropoietin production directly, within 72 h, before a change in hemoglobin would occur.

DESIGN

One hundred forty-one severely anemic children were identified during the baseline assessment of a morbidity substudy of a community-based micronutrient supplementation trial. All severely anemic children were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin A (100,000 or 200,000 IU depending on age) or SP at baseline; 72 h later they received the opposite treatment plus daily hematinic syrup for 90 d. Erythropoietic and parasitic indicators were assessed at baseline and again after 72 h.

RESULTS

After 72 h, SP reduced the malaria parasite density (by 5029 parasites/microL; P < 0.001), CRP concentrations (by 10.6 mg/L; P = 0.001), and the proportion of children infected with malaria (by 32.4%; P < 0.001). Vitamin A reduced CRP (by 9.6 mg/L; P = 0.011), serum ferritin (by 18.1 microg/L; P = 0.042), and erythropoietin (by 194.7 mIU/mL; P = 0.011) concentrations and increased the reticulocyte production index (by 0.40; P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to our hypothesis, vitamin A significantly decreased erythropoietin concentration. The most important effect of both vitamin A and SP was the rapid reduction of inflammation. Vitamin A also mobilized iron from stores and stimulated the production of new erythrocytes.

Impact of malaria control on childhood anaemia in Africa -- a quantitative review

OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of malaria control on haemoglobin (Hb) distributions and anaemia prevalences in children under 5 in malaria-endemic Africa.

METHODS

Literature review of community-based studies of insecticide-treated bednets, antimalarial chemoprophylaxis and insecticide residual spraying that reported the impact on childhood anaemia. Anaemia outcomes were standardized by conversion of packed cell volumes into Hb values assuming a fixed threefold difference, and by estimation of anaemia prevalences from mean Hb values by applying normal distributions. Determinants of impact were assessed in multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Across 29 studies, malaria control increased Hb among children by, on average, 0.76 g/dl [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61-0.91], from a mean baseline level of 10.5 g/dl, after a mean of 1-2 years of intervention. This response corresponded to a relative risk for Hb < 11 g/dl of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64-0.81) and for Hb < 8 g/dl of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.25-0.55). The anaemia response was positively correlated with the impact on parasitaemia (P = 0.005, P = 0.008 and P = 0.01 for the three outcome measures), but no relationship with the type or duration of malaria intervention was apparent. Impact on the prevalence of Hb < 11 g/dl was larger in sites with a higher baseline parasite prevalence. Although no age pattern in impact was apparent across the studies, some individual trials found larger impacts on anaemia in children aged 6-35 months than in older children.

CONCLUSION

In malaria-endemic Africa, malaria control reduces childhood anaemia. Childhood anaemia may be a useful indicator of the burden of malaria and of the progress in malaria control.

Prevalence and outcomes of anemia in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus: a systematic review of the literature

In patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anemia is a commonly encountered hematologic abnormality that has a significant impact on clinical outcomes and quality of life (QOL). This review describes the prevalence of anemia in several populations of patients with HIV and the effects of anemia on survival, morbidity, disease progression, transfusion requirements, and QOL. The prevalence of anemia in HIV disease varies considerably, ranging from 1.3% to 95%: it depends on several factors, including the stage of HIV disease, sex, age, pregnancy status, and injection-drug use as well as the definition of anemia used. In general, as HIV disease progresses, the prevalence and severity of anemia increase. Anemia is also more prevalent in HIV-positive women, children, and injection-drug users than in HIV-negative women, children, and injection-drug users. Anemia has been shown to be a statistically significant predictor of progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is independently associated with an increased risk of death in patients with HIV. Treatment of anemia with epoetin-alpha has resulted in significantly fewer patients requiring transfusion as well as decreases in the mean number of units of blood transfused. Resolution of HIV-related anemia has been shown to improve QOL, physical functioning, energy, and fatigue in individuals with HIV. More recently, the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy has also been associated with a significant increase in hemoglobin concentrations and a decrease in the prevalence of anemia.