Goutines J, Miller LC, Sorge F. Infections and nutritional status of internationally adopted children in France.
Acta Paediatr 2021;
110:1359-1365. [PMID:
33040353 DOI:
10.1111/apa.15612]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM
In the context of global changes in the epidemiology of internationally adopted children (IACs), the prevalence of infectious diseases and nutritional impairment has not been recently reviewed. Moreover, in France, these characteristics of the children according to their continents of origin and preadoption special needs (SN) status have been incompletely explored.
METHODS
Demographic, infectious data and anthropometric of all the newly arrived IACs seen in a specialised clinic for international adoptees in Paris, France, between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
Three hundred and fifty IACs [mean age: 3.4 years (±2.7), 204 male] from 39 countries were included; 55% had SN. Ninety-nine patients had at least one infection, 42% being classified as 'serious' (chronic viral infection, tuberculosis or malaria). Chronic viral infection was diagnosed in 26 (7%) patients (HIV: 16 cases, HBV: 5, HCV: 4) and affected especially Asian children (P < .001). The prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and microcephaly was, respectively, 25%, 22%, 15% and 8%. Stunting was more frequent in children from Eastern Europe (P = .02), while SN children were more often microcephalic or underweight (respectively P = .03 and .02).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of serious infections and nutritional impairment remains high in IACs and requires early detection and careful follow-up.
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