Post-HAART outcomes in pediatric populations: comparison of resource-limited and developed countries

Incidence and predictors of attrition among human immunodeficiency virus infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara comprehensive specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: a retrospective cohort study

Attrition rate is higher in developing nations and it leftovers a major obstacle to enhance the benefits of therapy and achieve the 90-90-90 plan targets. Despite this fact, data on the incidence and its predictors of attrition among human immune deficiency virus infected children on antiretroviral therapy are limited in developing countries including Ethiopia especially after the test and treat strategy implemented. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of attrition among human immune deficiency virus infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Amhara Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 359 children on ART from June 14, 2014, to June 14, 2022. Study participants were selected using simple random sampling method and the data were collected using Kobo Toolbox software and analysis was done by STATA version 14. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox regression models were fitted to ascertain predictors. Lastly, an AHR with a 95% CI was computed and variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were took an account statistically key predictors of attrition. The overall incidence of attrition rate was 9.8 (95% CI 7.9, 11.9) per 100 PYO. Children having baseline hemoglobin < 10 mg/dl (AHR 3.94; 95% CI 2.32, 6.7), suboptimal adherence (AHR 1.96; 95% CI 1.23, 3.13), baseline opportunistic infection (AHR 1.8; 95% CI 1.17, 2.96), and children who had experienced drug side effects (AHR 8.3; 95% CI 4.93, 13.84) were established to be a significant predictors of attrition. The attrition rate was relatively high. Decreased hemoglobin, suboptimal adherence, presence of drug side effects and baseline opportunistic infection were predictors of attrition. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and give special emphasis to those identified predictors promptly.

Epidemiological profile of malnutrition status and spatial distribution of children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of malnutrition status, analyse the association between malnutrition status and individual-level factors, and explore the spatial variation among children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

METHODS

The study is based on large-scale baseline routine data from the National AIDS Control Programme on people living with HIV from January 2016 to December 2021 in mainland Tanzania. 70,102 children and adolescents aged 5-19 years receiving active antiretroviral therapy were included in the analysis. Nutritional status of participants was assessed by anthropometric measurement. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to describe the association between individual-level factors with all malnutrition outcomes and spatial analysis was used to investigate spatial distribution of malnutrition. The excess risk of malnutrition for each region was calculated while Anselin Local Moran's I and Getis-Ord statistical tools were used to identify significant hot spots regions of malnutrition.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 11.1 (SD 4.7) years, with 71.7% in the 5-14-year age group and 58.4% being girls. 39.2% were attending care and treatment clinics services at hospital level with public ownership. 53.4% started using ARV at age 5-14 years and 55.5% had already switched to second- or third-line ARV with 61.1% using ARV for less than 3 years. 51.2% were in WHO HIV clinical stage III or IV. The prevalence of malnutrition was 36.0% for stunting, 28.9% for underweight, 13.0% for wasting, and 48.0% for anthropometric failure. Individual-level factors which accounted for a higher proportion of malnutrition based on anthropometric failure were male sex (56.3%), age 5-14 years (50.0%), being unmarried (52.9%), being on second- or third-line ARV treatment (51.4%), ART initiation at age 5-14 years (55.7%), ARV for more than 3 years (49.4%), and stage IV of WHO HIV clinical status (57.8%). There were regional hot spots (p < 0.05): the prevalence rate and excess risk of malnutrition for stunting and anthropometric failure were highest in the southern highlands regions, for underweight in the central regions, and for wasting in the northern regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania suffer from poor nutritional status. Malnutrition does not occur arbitrarily, and the regions identified as hot spots should be given priority for nutritional intervention. Effective nutritional interventions for children living with HIV/AIDS should incorporate multiple approaches by considering unique geographical factors.

Evaluation of Safety Measures at a Medical Summer Camp During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION

SARS-CoV-2 poses challenges for the safe delivery of a camp experience with a medically complex camper population. Multiple studies have investigated the effect of nonpharmaceutical interventions for preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in traditional summer camp settings, but none in the medical summer camp settings. Our objective was to describe and evaluate the nonpharmaceutical interventions on SARS-CoV-2 transmission rate in a medical summer camp setting.

METHODS

This was a single-institution cross-sectional study conducted between June 2021 and August 2021 in a rural summer camp setting in upstate New York. Nonpharmaceutical interventions consisted of prearrival guidance on low-risk activities, obtaining negative SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction results within 72 h prior to arrival, adult SARS-CoV-2 vaccine mandate, universal masking mandate, small cohorts, daily symptom screening, and rapid testing on site. Primary cases were defined as an individual with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result of any type while at camp or 2 wk after departure from camp without any known exposure at camp; secondary cases were defined as cases from potential exposures within camp.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-three campers were included. Nine individuals were tested owing to potentially infectious symptoms while at camp. Thirty-four campers were tested because they arrived from a county with an a priori intermediate level of SARS-CoV-2 community spread. Zero on-site rapid tests were positive for SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the implementation of multilayered nonpharmaceutical interventions at a medical summer camp during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Optimal Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Children and Adolescents With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Pulmonary Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

There is insufficient evidence in children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus (CAHIV) to guide the timing of antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation after starting treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (pTB). To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated the risk of mortality associated with timing of ART initiation in ART-naive CAHIV treated for pTB.

METHODS

Data were extracted from electronic medical records of ART-naive patients, aged 0-19 years, who were treated for HIV-associated pTB at Baylor Centers of Excellence in Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Lesotho, Tanzania, or Uganda between 2013 and 2020. Data were analyzed against a primary outcome of all-cause mortality with unadjusted Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

The study population included 774 CAHIV with variable intervals to ART initiation after starting TB treatment: <2 weeks (n = 266), 2 weeks to 2 months (n = 398), >2 months (n = 66), and no ART initiated (n = 44). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated increased mortality 1 year from TB treatment initiation in children never starting ART (adjusted HR [aHR]: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.03, 6.94) versus children initiating ART between 2 weeks and 2 months from TB treatment initiation. Mortality risk did not differ for the <2-weeks group (aHR: 1.02; 95% CI: .55, 1.89) versus the group initiating ART between 2 weeks and 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study demonstrated no increase in mortality among CAHIV initiating ART <2 weeks from TB treatment initiation. Given the broad health benefits of ART, this evidence supports the recent WHO recommendation for CAHIV to initiate ART within 2 weeks of initiating TB treatment.

Global HIV mortality trends among children on antiretroviral treatment corrected for under-reported deaths: an updated analysis of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS collaboration

INTRODUCTION

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) projections of paediatric HIV prevalence and deaths rely on the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium for mortality estimates among children living with HIV (CHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Previous estimates, based on data through 2014, may no longer be accurate due to expanded paediatric HIV care and treatment eligibility, and the possibility of unreported deaths in CHIV considered lost to follow-up (LTFU). We therefore estimated all-cause mortality and its trends in CHIV (<15 years old) on ART using extended and new IeDEA data.

METHODS

We analysed (i) IeDEA observational data from CHIV in routine care globally, and (ii) novel data from an IeDEA tracing study that determined outcomes in a sample of CHIV after being LTFU in southern Africa. We included 45,711 CHIV on ART during 2004 to 2017 at 72 programmes in Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. We used mixed effects Poisson regression to estimate mortality by age, sex, CD4 at ART start, time on ART, region and calendar year. For Africa, in an adjusted analysis that accounts for unreported deaths among those LTFU, we first modified the routine data by simulating mortality outcomes within six months after LTFU, based on a Gompertz survival model fitted to the tracing data (n = 221).

RESULTS

Observed mortality rates were 1.8 (95% CI: 1.7 to 1.9) and 9.4 (6.3 to 13.4) deaths per 100 person-years in the routine and tracing data, respectively. We found strong evidence of higher mortality at shorter ART durations, lower CD4 values, and in infancy. Averaging over covariate patterns, the adjusted mortality rate was 54% higher than the unadjusted rate. In unadjusted analyses, mortality reduced by an average 60% and 73% from 2005 to 2017, within and outside of Africa, respectively. In the adjusted analysis for Africa, this temporal reduction was 42%.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality rates among CHIV have decreased substantially over time. However, when accounting for worse outcomes among those LTFU, mortality estimates increased and temporal improvements were slightly reduced, suggesting caution in interpreting analyses based only on programme data. The improved and updated IeDEA estimates on mortality among CHIV on ART support UNAIDS efforts to accurately model global HIV statistics.

A 17 year experience of attrition from care among HIV infected children in Nnewi South-East Nigeria

BACKGROUND

A large number of HIV-infected children continue to die despite reported scale-up of paediatric HIV services.

AIM

The trend in attrition among children enrolled in an anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programme was evaluated.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of children enrolled into NAUTH ART programme between 2003 and 2019.

RESULTS

1114 children < 15 years at enrolment were studied. The male: female ratio was 1:1 while median age at enrolment was 4.3 years. About two-thirds had WHO stage 3 or 4 disease at enrolment. The rate of loss to follow-up (LTFU) and death were 41.0 and 8.4%, respectively, with overall attrition incidence of 108/1000PY. Despite the downward trend, spikes occurred among those enrolled in 2008 to 2011 and in 2017. The trend in 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-months attrition varied similarly with overall rates being 20.4, 27.7, 34.3 and 37.3%, respectively. Among those on ART, > 50% of attrition was recorded within 6 months of care. Advanced WHO stage, young age, non-initiation on ART or period of enrolment (P <  0.001), and caregiver (p = 0.026) were associated with attrition in bivariate analysis. Apart from caregiver category, these factors remained significant in multivariate analysis. Most LTFU could not be reached on phone. Among those contacted, common reasons for being lost to follow-up were financial constraints, caregiver loss, claim to divine healing, family disharmony/child custody issues and relocation of family/child.

CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

Attrition rate was high and was mostly due to LTFU. Predictors of attrition were late presentation, young age, delay in ART initiation and financial constraints. Efforts should be intensified at early diagnosis, linkage to care and implementation of "test and treat" strategy. Innovative child centered approaches should be adopted to enable the HIV-infected children remain in care despite challenges which can truncate treatment.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of respiratory microbial flora in African children with HIV-associated chronic lung disease

BACKGROUND

HIV-associated chronic lung disease (CLD) is common among children living with HIV (CLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, including those on antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the pathogenesis of CLD and its possible association with microbial determinants remain poorly understood. We investigated the prevalence, and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Haemophilus influenzae (HI), and Moraxella catarrhalis (MC) among CLWH (established on ART) who had CLD (CLD+), or not (CLD-) in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal swabs (NP) and sputa were collected from CLD+ CLWH (defined as forced-expiratory volume per second z-score < - 1 without reversibility post-bronchodilation with salbutamol), at enrolment as part of a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin (BREATHE trial - NCT02426112 ), and from age- and sex-matched CLD- CLWH. Samples were cultured, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using disk diffusion. Risk factors for bacterial carriage were identified using questionnaires and analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 410 participants (336 CLD+, 74 CLD-) were enrolled (median age, 15 years [IQR = 13-18]). SP and MC carriage in NP were higher in CLD+ than in CLD- children: 46% (154/336) vs. 26% (19/74), p = 0.008; and 14% (49/336) vs. 3% (2/74), p = 0.012, respectively. SP isolates from the NP of CLD+ children were more likely to be non-susceptible to penicillin than those from CLD- children (36% [53/144] vs 11% [2/18], p = 0.036). Methicillin-resistant SA was uncommon [4% (7/195)]. In multivariate analysis, key factors associated with NP bacterial carriage included having CLD (SP: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2 [95% CI 1.1-3.9]), younger age (SP: aOR 3.2 [1.8-5.8]), viral load suppression (SP: aOR 0.6 [0.4-1.0], SA: 0.5 [0.3-0.9]), stunting (SP: aOR 1.6 [1.1-2.6]) and male sex (SA: aOR 1.7 [1.0-2.9]). Sputum bacterial carriage was similar in both groups (50%) and was associated with Zimbabwean site (SP: aOR 3.1 [1.4-7.3], SA: 2.1 [1.1-4.2]), being on ART for a longer period (SP: aOR 0.3 [0.1-0.8]), and hot compared to rainy season (SP: aOR 2.3 [1.2-4.4]).

CONCLUSIONS

CLD+ CLWH were more likely to be colonised by MC and SP, including penicillin-non-susceptible SP strains, than CLD- CLWH. The role of these bacteria in CLD pathogenesis, including the risk of acute exacerbations, should be further studied.

Incidence and predictors of attrition among children attending antiretroviral follow-up in public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2020: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

It is a global challenge to enrol and retain paediatric patients in HIV/AIDS care. Attrition causes preventable transmission, stoppable morbidity and death, undesirable treatment outcomes, increased cost of care and drug resistance. Thus, this study intended to investigate the incidence and predictors of attrition among children receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART).

METHOD

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among children <15 years who had ART follow-up in Gedeo public hospitals. After collection, data were entered into Epi-data V.4.6, then exported to and analysed using STATA V.14. Data were described using the Kaplan-Meier statistics, life table and general descriptive statistics. The analysis was computed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Covariates having <0.25 p values in the univariate analysis (such as developmental stage, nutritional status, haemoglobin level, adherence, etc) were fitted to multivariable analysis. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p value of <0.05.

RESULTS

An overall 254 child charts were analysed. At the end of follow-up, attrition from ART care was 36.2% (92 of 254), of which 70 (76.1%) were lost to follow-up, and 22 (23.9%) children died. About 8145.33 child-months of observations were recorded with an incidence attrition rate of 11.3 per 1000 child-months (95% CI: 9.2 to 13.9), whereas the median survival time was 68.73 months. Decreased haemoglobin level (<10 g/dl) (adjusted HR (AHR)=3.1; 95% CI: 1.4 to 6.9), delayed developmental milestones (AHR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.2 to 10.7), underweight at baseline (AHR=5.9; 95% CI: 1.6 to 21.7), baseline CD4 count ≤200 (AHR=4.4; 95% CI: 1.6 to 12.2), and poor or fair ART adherence (AHR=3.5; 95% CI: 1.5 to 7.9) were significantly associated with attrition.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Retention to ART care is challenging in the paediatrics population, with such a high attrition rate. Immune suppression, anaemia, underweight, delayed developmental milestones and ART non-adherence were independent predictors of attrition to ART care. Hence, it is crucial to detect and control the identified predictors promptly. Serious adherence support and strengthened nutritional provision with monitoring strategies are also essential.

Long-Term Outcomes and Risk Factors for Mortality in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Children Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Vietnam

Background

Management of HIV-infected children on a long-term basis is a challenge in resource-limited countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcome and identify the risk factors for mortality in a cohort of children with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Vietnam.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in children aged 0-15 years, seen at the outpatient clinic of the Women and Children Hospital of An Giang, Vietnam, from August 2006 to May 2019. Cox proportional-hazard models were used to determine factors associated with mortality.

Results

A total of 266 HIV-infected children were on ART. During 1545 child-years of follow-up (median follow-up was 5.8 years), 28 (10.5%) children died yielding a mortality rate of 1.8 death per 100 child-years. By multivariate analysis, World Health Organization clinical stage 3 or 4 (AHR; 7.86, 95% CI; 1.02-60.3, P= 0.047), tuberculosis (TB) co-infection (AHR; 6.26, 95% CI; 2.50-15.64, P= 0.001) and having severe immunosuppression before ART (AHR; 11.73, 95% CI; 1.52-90.4, P= 0.018) were independent factors for mortality in these children.

Conclusion

Antiretroviral therapy has reduced mortality in HIV-infected children in resource-limited settings. Independent risk factors for mortality were advanced clinical stage (3 or 4), TB co-infection and severe immunosuppression. Early investigation and treatment of TB co-infection allow early ART initiation which may improve outcomes in our settings.

Clinical Consequences of Using an Indeterminate Range for Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV: A Decision Model

BACKGROUND

To minimize false-positive diagnoses of HIV in exposed infants, the World Health Organization recommends confirmatory testing for all infants initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). In settings where confirmatory testing is not feasible or intermittently performed, clinical decisions may be aided by semi-quantitative cycle thresholds (Cts) that identify positive results most likely to be false-positive.

METHODS

We developed a decision analysis model of HIV-exposed infants in sub-Saharan Africa to estimate the clinical consequences of deferring ART for infants with weakly positive ("indeterminate") results. We assessed the degree to which "indeterminate" results may reduce the number of infants starting ART unnecessarily while missing a small number of HIV-infected infants. Our primary outcome was the ratio of averted unnecessary ART regimens to additional HIV-related deaths (due to false-negative diagnosis) at different Ct cutoffs.

RESULTS

The clinical consequences of adopting an indeterminate range varied with the prevalence of HIV and Ct cutoff. Considering a Ct cutoff ≥33, adopting an indeterminate range could prevent a median of 1.4 infants from receiving ART unnecessarily (95% UR: 1.0-2.0) for each additional HIV-related death. This ratio could be improved by prioritizing infants with indeterminate results for confirmatory testing [median 8.8 (95% UR: 6.0-13.3)] and by adopting a higher cutoff [median 82.3 (95% UR: 49.0-155.8) with Ct ≥36].

CONCLUSIONS

When implemented in settings where confirmatory testing is not universal, the benefits of classifying weakly positive results as "indeterminate" may outweigh the risks. Accordingly, the World Health Organization has recommended Ct values ≥33 be considered indeterminate for infant HIV diagnosis.

Long-term outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and young adults on antiretroviral therapy: a review of South African and global literature

Paediatric antiretroviral programmes have been implemented globally for more than a decade, yet information on long-term treatment outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents is limited. Published literature on long-term treatment outcomes was reviewed, including virologic, immunologic and growth outcomes, as well as drug resistance and factors associated with drug resistance. Outcomes were compared between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with additional focus on South Africa, the country with the biggest HIV epidemic in the world and the largest treatment programme. Treatment outcomes varied but viral suppression results globally were generally concerning. No studies from LMIC have reported on outcomes after >10 years follow-up, demonstrating that further studies are needed.

Attrition among HIV positive children enrolled under integrated HIV care programme in Myanmar: 12 years cohort analysis

Background: In Myanmar, HIV seropositive children are being enrolled in an integrated HIV care (IHC) Program for HIV treatment and care since 2005.

Objectives: To assess the: (a) attrition (death or loss-to-follow-up) rates among children (aged ≥ 18 months to < 15 years) enrolled into the programme before and after initiation of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (pre-ART and ART periods); (b) demographic and clinical factors associated with attrition during these two periods.

Methods: Children enrolled in IHC Programme and their status (death, lost to follow-up, regular follow-up or transferred out) was assessed as on 30 June 2017. Attrition rates (per 100 person-years) at pre – ART and ART periods were calculated and the association between demographic and clinical characteristics with attrition was assessed using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: Among 2,736 children enrolled, pre-ART attrition rate was 19 per 100 person-years of follow-up (95% CI: 17–21) and ART attrition rate was 4 per 100 person-years of follow-up (95% CI: 3–4) with higher levels during the initial few months of enrolment. The 36-month retention rates during pre-ART period was 75% (95% CI: 72–78) and during ART period was 87% (95% CI: 86–88). The children ‘at enrolment’ with relatively lower levels of haemoglobin, immune deficiency, underweight for age, higher WHO clinical stages, presence of hepatitis B infection had higher hazards of attrition in both periods.

Conclusion: The attrition rates are high particularly among children with relatively poorer clinical, nutritional profiles at enrolment. The study suggests the urgent need for improving adherence counselling especially during the initial few months of enrolment and early ART initiation.

Variability of efavirenz plasma concentrations among pediatric HIV patients treated with efavirenz based combination antiretroviral therapy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Background

Children are subject to varying drug pharmacokinetics which influence plasma drug levels, and hence treatment outcomes especially for drugs like efavirenz whose plasma concentrations are directly related to treatment outcomes. This study is aimed at determining plasma efavirenz concentrations among Tanzanian pediatric HIV-1 patients on efavirenz-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and relating it to clinical, immunological and virologic treatment responses.

Methods

A cross sectional study involving pediatric HIV patients aged 5–15 years on efavirenz-based cART for ≥ 6 months were recruited in Dar es Salaam. Data on demographics, cART regimens, efavirenz dose and time of the last dose were collected using structured questionnaires and checklists. Venous blood samples were drawn at 10–19 h post-dosing for efavirenz plasma analysis.

Results

A total of 145 children with a mean ± SD age of 10.83 ± 2.75 years, on cART for a mean ± SD of 3.7 ± 2.56 years were recruited. Median [IQR] efavirenz concentration was 2.56 [IQR = 1.5–4.6] μg/mL with wide inter-patient variability (CV 111%). Poor virologic response was observed in 70.8%, 20.8% and 15.9% of patients with efavirenz levels < 1 μg/mL, 1–4 μg/mL and > 4 μg/mL respectively. Patients with efavirenz levels of < 1 μg/mL were 11 times more likely to have detectable viral loads. Immunologically, 31.8% of children who had low levels (< 1 μg/mL) of efavirenz had a CD4 count of < 350 cells/μL.

Conclusion

Wide inter-individual variability in efavirenz plasma concentrations is seen among Tanzanian children in routine clinical practice with many being outside the recommended therapeutic range. Virologic failure is very high in children with sub-therapeutic levels. Concentrations outside the therapeutic window suggest the need for dose adjustment on the basis of therapeutic drug monitoring to optimize treatment.

HIV viral suppression and longevity among a cohort of children initiating antiretroviral therapy in Eastern Cape, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

There are limited data on viral suppression (VS) in children with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine care in low-resource settings. We examined VS in a cohort of children initiating ART in routine HIV care in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

METHODS

The Pediatric Enhanced Surveillance Study enrolled HIV-infected ART eligibility children zero to twelve years at five health facilities from 2012 to 2014. All children received routine HIV care and treatment services and attended quarterly study visits for up to 24 months. Time to VS among those starting treatment was measured from ART start date to first viral load (VL) result <1000 and VL <50 copies/mL using competing risk estimators (death as competing risk). Multivariable sub-distributional hazards models examined characteristics associated with VS and VL rebound following suppression among those with a VL >30 days after the VS date.

RESULTS

Of 397 children enrolled, 349 (87.9%) started ART: 118 (33.8%) children age <12 months, 122 (35.0%) one to five years and 109 (31.2%) six to twelve years. At study enrolment, median weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) was -1.7 (interquartile range (IQR):-3.1 to -0.4) and median log VL was 5.6 (IQR: 5.0 to 6.2). Cumulative incidence of VS <1000 copies/mL at six, twelve and twenty-four months was 57.6% (95% CI 52.1 to 62.7), 78.7% (95% CI 73.7 to 82.9) and 84.0% (95% CI 78.9 to 87.9); for VS <50 copies/mL: 40.3% (95% CI 35.0 to 45.5), 63.9% (95% CI 58.2 to 69.0) and 72.9% (95% CI 66.9 to 78.0). At 12 months only 46.6% (95% CI 36.6 to 56.0) of children <12 months had achieved VS <50 copies/mL compared to 76.9% (95% CI 67.9 to 83.7) of children six to twelve years (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, children with VL >1 million copies/mL at ART initiation were half as likely to achieve VS <50 copies/mL (adjusted sub-distributional hazards 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). Among children achieving VS <50 copies/mL, 37 (19.7%) had VL 50 to 1000 copies/mL and 31 (16.5%) had a VL >1000 copies/mL. Children <12 months had twofold increased risk of VL rebound to VL >1000 copies/mL (adjusted relative risk 2.03, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.74) compared with six to twelve year olds.

CONCLUSIONS

We found suboptimal VS among South African children initiating treatment and high proportions experiencing VL rebound, particularly among younger children. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children achieve optimal outcomes.

Azithromycin versus placebo for the treatment of HIV-associated chronic lung disease in children and adolescents (BREATHE trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related chronic lung disease (CLD) among children is associated with substantial morbidity, despite antiretroviral therapy. This may be a consequence of repeated respiratory tract infections and/or dysregulated immune activation that accompanies HIV infection. Macrolides have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and we hypothesised that azithromycin would reduce decline in lung function and morbidity through preventing respiratory tract infections and controlling systemic inflammation.

Methods/design

We are conducting a multicentre (Malawi and Zimbabwe), double-blind, randomised controlled trial of a 12-month course of weekly azithromycin versus placebo. The primary outcome is the mean change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) z-score at 12 months. Participants are followed up to 18 months to explore the durability of effect. Secondary outcomes are FEV₁ z-score at 18 months, time to death, time to first acute respiratory exacerbation, number of exacerbations, number of hospitalisations, weight for age z-score at 12 and 18 months, number of adverse events, number of malaria episodes, number of bloodstream Salmonella typhi infections and number of gastroenteritis episodes. Participants will be followed up 3-monthly, and lung function will be assessed every 6 months. Laboratory substudies will be done to investigate the impact of azithromycin on systemic inflammation and on development of antimicrobial resistance as well as impact on the nasopharyngeal, lung and gut microbiome.

Discussion

The results of this trial will be of clinical relevance because there are no established guidelines on the treatment and management of HIV-associated CLD in children in sub-Saharan Africa, where 80% of the world’s HIV-infected children live and where HIV-associated CLD is highly prevalent.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02426112. Registered on 21 April 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2344-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Universal antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected children: a review of the benefits and risks to consider during implementation

Background: The 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection, recommended to start all HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we explore the possible benefits and risks of implementing universal ART for all HIV-infected children and adolescents and outline some of the key considerations that led to the 2016 revision of WHO guidelines.

Methods: We conducted a review of the published data from 2000 to 2016, to ascertain the clinical and programmatic benefits, as well as the risks of implementing universal ART for all children.

Results and discussion: Universal ART for all children has the potential to increase treatment coverage, which in 2015 was only 51% globally, as well as providing several biological benefits, by preventing: premature death/loss to follow-up, progressive destruction of the immune system, poor growth and pubertal delay, poor neuro-cognitive outcomes and future burden to the health care system with complications of untreated HIV-infection. However, the strategy could be associated with risks, notably development of HIV drug resistance, antiretroviral drug toxicities and increased costs to an already stretched health system.

Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that the benefits could outweigh the risks and support universal ART for all HIV-infected children, but recognize that national programmes will need to put measures in place to minimize the risks if they choose to implement the strategy.

High Viremia and Wasting Before Antiretroviral Therapy Are Associated With Pneumonia in Early-Treated HIV-Infected Kenyan Infants

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children are particularly susceptible to acute respiratory infections (ARIs). We determined incidence and cofactors for ARIs in HIV-infected infants receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected infants initiated ART at ≤12 months of age and were observed monthly for 2 years in Nairobi. Acute respiratory infection rates and cofactors were determined using Andersen-Gill models, allowing for multiple events per infant.

RESULTS

Among 111 HIV-infected infants, median age at ART initiation was 4.5 months. Pre-ART median CD4% was 19%, and 29% had wasting. During 24-months follow-up while on ART, upper respiratory infection (URI) and pneumonia rates were 122.6 and 34.7 per 100 person-years (py), respectively. Infants with higher pre-ART viral load (VL) (plasma HIV ribonucleic acid [RNA] ≥7 log10 copies/mL) had 4.12-fold increased risk of pneumonia (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.17-7.80), and infants with wasting (weight-for-height z-score < -2) had 2.87-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.56-5.28). Infants with both high pre-ART VL and wasting had a higher pneumonia rate (166.8 per 100 py) than those with only 1 of these risk factors (44.4 per 100 py) or neither (17.0 per 100 py). Infants with exposure to wood fuel had significantly higher risk of URI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.44-2.28) and pneumonia (HR = 3.31; 95% CI, 1.76-6.21).

CONCLUSIONS

In early ART-treated HIV-infected infants, higher HIV RNA and wasting before ART were independent risk factors for pneumonia. Wood fuel use was associated with URI and pneumonia. Additional data on air pollution and respiratory outcomes in HIV-infected children may help optimize interventions to improve their lung health.

Survival of HIV-1 vertically infected children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

It is 20 years since the start of the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era and more than 10 years since cART scale-up began in resource-limited settings. We examined survival of vertically HIV-infected infants and children in the cART era.

RECENT FINDINGS

Good survival has been achieved on cART in all settings with up to 10-fold mortality reductions compared with before cART availability. Although mortality risk remains high in the first few months after cART initiation in young children with severe disease, it drops rapidly thereafter even for those who started with advanced disease, and longer term mortality risk is low. However, suboptimal retention on cART in routine programs threatens good survival outcomes and even on treatment children continue to experience high comorbidity risk; infections remain the major cause of death. Interventions to address infection risk include a cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, isoniazid preventive therapy, routine childhood and influenza immunization, and improving maternal survival.

SUMMARY

Pediatric survival has improved substantially with cART and HIV-infected children are aging into adulthood. It is important to ensure access to diagnosis and early cART, good program retention as well as optimal comorbidity prophylaxis and treatment to achieve the best possible long-term survival and health outcomes for vertically infected children.

Mortality in Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Initiating Treatment: A Six-Cohort Study in Latin America

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risks of and factors associated with mortality, loss to follow-up, and changing regimens after children with HIV infected perinatally initiate combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Latin America and the Caribbean.

STUDY DESIGN

This 1997-2013 retrospective cohort study included 1174 antiretroviral therapy-naïve, perinatally infected children who started cART age when they were younger than 18 years of age (median 4.7 years; IQR 1.7-8.8) at 1 of 6 cohorts from Argentina, Brazil, Haiti, and Honduras, within the Caribbean, Central and South America Network for HIV Epidemiology. Median follow-up was 5.6 years (IQR 2.3-9.3). Study outcomes were all-cause mortality, loss to follow-up, and major changes in cART. We used Cox proportional hazards models stratified by site to examine the association between predictors and times to death or changing regimens.

RESULTS

Only 52% started cART at younger than 5 years of age; 19% began a protease inhibitor. At cART initiation, median CD4 count was 472 cells/mm³ (IQR 201-902); median CD4% was 16% (IQR 10-23). Probability of death was high in the first year of cART: 0.06 (95% CI 0.04-0.07). Five years after cART initiation, the cumulative mortality incidence was 0.12 (95% CI 0.10-0.14). Cumulative incidences for loss to follow-up and regimen change after 5 years were 0.16 (95% 0.14-0.18) and 0.30 (95% 0.26-0.34), respectively. Younger children had the greatest risk of mortality, whereas older children had the greatest risk of being lost to follow-up or changing regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Innovative clinical and community approaches are needed for quality improvement in the pediatric care of HIV in the Americas.

Cohort profile: improving treatment of HIV-infected Ethiopian children through better detection of treatment failure in southern Ethiopia

PURPOSE

The Ethiopian Paediatric HIV Cohort (EPHIC) was established to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of virological treatment failure to ultimately develop a clinical-immunological prediction rule with area under the curve of >0.80 for detecting first-line antiretroviral therapy failure (ARTF). It will also assess the performance of the current WHO guidelines for detection of first-line ARTF in children.

PARTICIPANTS

Using a prospective cohort design, HIV-infected children and adolescents below the age of 18 years are followed every 6 months with a set of clinical and laboratory parameters at 6 hospitals in southern Ethiopia. For inclusion in the cohort, children should be on or are initiating first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are not on second-line ART. Virological treatment failure is taken as the gold standard for the diagnosis of treatment failure.

FINDINGS TO DATE

From October 2015 through April 2016, 628 children have been enrolled from 6 different HIV treatment centres across southern Ethiopia. The mean age at enrolment was 11.1 years and 47.6% were girls. Many of the children (88.6%) were at WHO Clinical stage 1 at time of enrolment. At enrolment, the mean duration on first-line ART was 45 months. Substitution of ART drugs was performed to nearly half (42.6%) of the cohort. Adherence as assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale was high (mean, 94.4%; SD=11.9). The median CD4 count of the cohort at enrolment was 741 with 3.1% having a value consistent with ARTF.

FUTURE PLANS

Regular data uploads from the 6 hospitals in southern Ethiopia enable this cohort to be followed prospectively. The cohort will be completed in September 2017. The successful completion of this study will allow for better targeting of viral-load testing to those at highest risk in resource-poor settings and provide clinicians and policymakers with a practical prediction rule.

ETHICS APPROVAL

SNNPR Regional Health Bureau Institutional Review Board.

Virological suppression in children and adolescents is not influenced by genotyping, but depends on optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy

Objective

To evaluate the virological outcomes in children and adolescents infected with HIV-1 in Salvador, Bahia according to genotyping results.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the rates of virological suppression of children and adolescents submitted to HIV-1 genotyping test from January/2008 to December/2012. The participants were followed in the two referral centers for pediatric AIDS care, in Salvador, Brazil. Resistance mutations, drug sensitivity profiles, and viral subtypes were analyzed using the Stanford HIV-1 Drug Resistance Database. Adherence was estimated by drugs withdrawal at pharmacies of the two sites.

Results

101 subjects were included: 35 (34.6%) were drug-naïve, and the remaining 66 were failing ART. In drug-naïve group, 3 (8.6%), presented with NNRTIs resistance mutations, along with polymorphic mutations to PIs in most (82.8%) of them. Among the failing therapy group, we detected a high frequency (89.4%) of resistance mutations to PIs, NRTI (84.8%), and NNRTI (59.1%). Virological suppression after introduction/modification of genotyping-guided ART was achieved only for patients (53.1%) with drug withdrawal over 95%. Main detected HIV-1 subtypes were B (67.3%), F (7.9), C (1.9%), and recombinant forms (22.9%).

Conclusions

Despite the use of genotyping tests in guidance of a more effective antiretroviral regimen, poor adherence to ART seems to be the main determinant of low virological suppression rate for children and adolescents, in Salvador, Brazil.

Characteristics of HIV-Infected Children at Enrollment into Care and at Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Central Africa

Background

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) regularly updating guidelines to recommend earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children, timely enrollment into care and initiation of ART in sub-Saharan Africa in children lags behind that of adults. The impact of implementing increasingly less restrictive ART guidelines on ART initiation in Central Africa has not been described.

Materials and Methods

Data are from the Central Africa International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) pediatric cohort of 3,426 children (0–15 years) entering HIV care at 15 sites in Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda. Measures include CD4 count, WHO clinical stage, age, and weight-for-age Z score (WAZ), each at enrollment into HIV care and at ART initiation. Changes in the medians or proportions of each measure by year of enrollment and year of ART initiation were assessed to capture potential impacts of changing ART guidelines.

Results

Median age at care enrollment decreased from 77.2 months in 2004–05 to 30.3 months in 2012–13. The median age at ART initiation (n = 2058) decreased from 83.0 months in 2004–05 to 66.9 months in 2012–13. The proportion of children ≤24 months of age at enrollment increased from 12.7% in 2004–05 to 46.7% in 2012–13, and from 9.6% in 2004–05 to 24.2% in 2012–13 for ART initiation. The median CD4 count at enrollment into care increased from 563 (IQR: 275, 901) in 2004–05 to 660 (IQR: 339, 1071) cells/μl in 2012–13, and the median CD4 count at ART initiation increased from 310 (IQR:167, 600) in 2004–05 to 589 (IQR: 315, 1113) cells/μl in 2012–13. From 2004–05 to 2012–13, median WAZ improved from -2 (IQR: -3.4, -1.1) to -1 (IQR: -2.5, -0.2) at enrollment in care and from -2 (IQR: -3.8, -1.6) to -1 (IQR: -2.6, -0.4) at ART initiation.

Discussion and Conclusion

Although HIV-infected children ≤24 months of age accounted for half of all children enrolling in care in our cohort during 2012–13, they represented less than a quarter of all those who were initiated on ART during the same period. Further research is needed to identify barriers to timely diagnosis, linkage to care, and initiation of ART among children with HIV infection.

Chronic lung disease in HIV-infected children established on antiretroviral therapy

Objective:

Respiratory disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected children. Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), children suffer chronic symptoms. We investigated symptom prevalence, lung function and exercise capacity among older children established on ART and an age-matched HIV-uninfected group.

Design:

A cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe of HIV-infected children aged 6–16 years receiving ART for over 6 months and HIV-uninfected children attending primary health clinics from the same area.

Methods:

Standardized questionnaire, spirometry, incremental shuttle walk testing, CD4⁺ cell count, HIV viral load and sputum culture for tuberculosis were performed.

Results:

A total of 202 HIV-infected and 150 uninfected participants (median age 11.1 years in each group) were recruited. Median age at HIV diagnosis and ART initiation was 5.5 (interquartile range 2.8–7.5) and 6.1 (interquartile range 3.6–8.4) years, respectively. Median CD4⁺ cell count was 726 cells/μl, and 79% had HIV viral load less than 400 copies/ml. Chronic respiratory symptoms were rare in HIV-uninfected children [n = 1 (0.7%)], but common in HIV-infected participants [51 (25%)], especially cough [30 (15%)] and dyspnoea [30 (15%)]. HIV-infected participants were more commonly previously treated for tuberculosis [76 (38%) vs 1 (0.7%), P < 0.001], had lower exercise capacity (mean incremental shuttle walk testing distance 771 vs 889 m, respectively, P < 0.001) and more frequently abnormal spirometry [43 (24.3%) vs 15 (11.5%), P = 0.003] compared with HIV-uninfected participants. HIV diagnosis at an older age was associated with lung function abnormality (P = 0.025). No participant tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Conclusion:

In children, despite ART, HIV is associated with significant respiratory symptoms and functional impairment. Understanding pathogenesis is key, as new treatment strategies are urgently required.

Survival Outcomes in a Pediatric Antiretroviral Treatment Cohort in Southern Malawi

BACKGROUND

Pediatric uptake and outcomes in antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes have lagged behind adult programmes. We describe outcomes from a population-based pediatric ART cohort in rural southern Malawi.

METHODS

Data were analyzed on children who initiated ART from October/2003 -September/2011. Demographics and diagnoses were described and survival analyses conducted to assess the impact of age, presenting features at enrolment, and drug selection.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 2203 children <15 years of age. Age at entry was <1 year for 219 (10%), 1-1.9 years for 343 (16%), 2-4.9 years for 584 (27%), and 5-15 years for 1057 (48%) patients. Initial clinical diagnoses of tuberculosis and wasting were documented for 409 (19%) and 523 (24%) patients, respectively. Median follow-up time was 1.5 years (range 0-8 years), with 3900 patient-years of follow-up. Over the period of observation, 134 patients (6%) died, 1324 (60%) remained in the cohort, 345 (16%) transferred out, and 387 (18%) defaulted. Infants <1 year of age accounted for 19% of deaths, with a 2.7-fold adjusted mortality hazard ratio relative to 5-15 year olds; median time to death was also shorter for infants (60 days) than older children (108 days). Survival analysis demonstrated younger age at ART initiation, more advanced HIV stage, and presence of tuberculosis to each be associated with shorter survival time. Among children <5 years, severe wasting (weight-for-height z-score </ = -3.0) was also associated with reduced survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative incidence of mortality was 5.2%, 7.1% and 7.7% after 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, with disproportionate mortality in infants <1 year of age and those presenting with tuberculosis. These findings reinforce the urgent need for early diagnosis and treatment in this population, but also demonstrate that provision of pediatric care in a rural setting can yield outcomes comparable to more resourced urban settings of poor countries.

Growth reconstitution following antiretroviral therapy and nutritional supplementation: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

As antiretroviral therapy (ART) expands for HIV-infected children, it is important to determine its impact on growth. We quantified growth and its determinants following ART in resource-limited (RLS) and developed settings.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched publications reporting growth [weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) z scores] in HIV-infected children following ART through August 2014. Inclusion criteria were as follows: younger than 18 years; ART; at least 20 patients; growth at ART; and post-ART growth. Standardized and overall weighted mean differences were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 67 articles were eligible (RLS = 54; developed settings = 13). Mean age was 5.8 years, and comparable between settings (P = 0.90). Baseline growth was substantially lower in RLS vs. developed settings (WAZ -2.1 vs. -0.5; HAZ -2.2 vs. -0.9; both P < 0.01). Rate of weight but not height reconstitution during 12 and 24 months was higher in RLS (12-month WAZ change 0.84 vs. 0.17, P < 0.01). Growth deficits persisted in RLS after 2 years ART (P = 0.04). Younger cohort age was associated with greater growth reconstitution. Protease inhibitor and nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor regimens yielded comparable growth. Adjusting for age and setting, cohorts with nutritional supplements had greater growth gains (24-month rate difference: WAZ 0.55, P = 0.03; HAZ 0.60, P = 0.007). Supplement benefits were attenuated after adjusting for baseline cohort growth.

CONCLUSION

RLS children had substantial growth deficits compared with developed settings counterparts at ART; growth shortfalls in RLS persisted despite reconstitution. Earlier age and nutritional supplementation at ART may improve growth outcomes. Scant data on supplementation limit evaluation of impact and underscores need for systematic data collection regarding supplementation in pediatric ART programmes/cohorts.

Factors Associated with the Development of Drug Resistance Mutations in HIV-1 Infected Children Failing Protease Inhibitor-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa

OBJECTIVE

Limited data are available from the developing world on antiretroviral drug resistance in HIV-1 infected children failing protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy, especially in the context of a high tuberculosis burden. We describe the proportion of children with drug resistance mutations after failed protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy as well as associated factors.

METHODS

Data from children initiated on protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy with subsequent virological failure referred for genotypic drug resistance testing between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively analysed. Frequencies of drug resistance mutations were determined and associations with these mutations identified through logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 65 young children (median age 16.8 months [IQR 7.8; 23.3]) with mostly advanced clinical disease (88.5% WHO stage 3 or 4 disease), severe malnutrition (median weight-for-age Z-score -2.4 [IQR -3.7;-1.5]; median height-for-age Z-score -3.1 [IQR -4.3;-2.4]), high baseline HIV viral load (median 6.04 log10, IQR 5.34;6.47) and frequent tuberculosis co-infection (66%) at antiretroviral therapy initiation. Major protease inhibitor mutations were found in 49% of children and associated with low weight-for-age and height-for-age (p = 0.039; p = 0.05); longer duration of protease inhibitor regimens and virological failure (p = 0.001; p = 0.005); unsuppressed HIV viral load at 12 months of antiretroviral therapy (p = 0.001); tuberculosis treatment at antiretroviral therapy initiation (p = 0.048) and use of ritonavir as single protease inhibitor (p = 0.038). On multivariate analysis, cumulative months on protease inhibitor regimens and use of ritonavir as single protease inhibitor remained significant (p = 0.008; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Major protease inhibitor resistance mutations were common in this study of HIV-1-infected children, with the timing of tuberculosis treatment and subsequent protease inhibitor dosing strategy proving to be important associated factors. There is an urgent need for safe, effective, and practicable HIV/tuberculosis co-treatment in young children and the optimal timing of treatment, optimal dosing of antiretroviral therapy, and alternative tuberculosis treatment strategies should be urgently addressed.

Mortality in children and adolescents vertically infected by HIV receiving care at a referral hospital in Vitoria, Brazil

Background

Daily throughout 2011, about 900 new HIV infections occurred in children and 630 children died as a result of AIDS-related complications worldwide. Late diagnosis, mortality trends, causes of and risk factors for death were evaluated in vertically HIV-infected children.

Methods

A retrospective 11-year study was conducted with Brazilian vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents using patients’ charts. Medical records, death certificates and the Ministry of Health’s mortality database were verified for mortality and cause of death. Diagnoses were made according to the CDC Revised Classification System for HIV infection.

Results

Of 177 patients included, 97 were female (54.8%). Median age at admission was 30 months (IQR: 5–72 months). Median follow-up was 5 years (IQR: 2–8 years). After 11 years, 132 (74,6%) patients continued in follow-up, 11 (6.2%) had been transferred and 8 (4.5%) were lost to follow-up. Twenty-six deaths occurred (14,7%), the majority (16/26; 61.5%) in children <3 years of age. Death cases decreased over time and the distribution of deaths was homogenous over the years of evaluation. In 17/26 (65.4%) of the children who died, diagnosis had been made as the result of their becoming ill. Beginning antiretroviral therapy before 6 months of age was associated with being alive (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.12–7.25; p = 0.027). The principal causes of death were severe bacterial infections (57%) and opportunistic infections (33.3%).

Conclusions

In most of the HIV-infected children, diagnosis was late, increasing the risk of progression to AIDS and death due to delayed treatment. The mortality trend was constant, decreasing in the final two years of the study. Bacterial infections remain as the major cause of death. Improvements in prenatal care and pediatric monitoring are mandatory.

Immunodeficiency in children starting antiretroviral therapy in low-, middle-, and high-income countries

BACKGROUND

The CD4 cell count or percent (CD4%) at the start of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is an important prognostic factor in children starting therapy and an important indicator of program performance. We describe trends and determinants of CD4 measures at cART initiation in children from low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

METHODS

We included children aged <16 years from clinics participating in a collaborative study spanning sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Missing CD4 values at cART start were estimated through multiple imputation. Severe immunodeficiency was defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Analyses used generalized additive mixed models adjusted for age, country, and calendar year.

RESULTS

A total of 34,706 children from 9 low-income, 6 lower middle-income, 4 upper middle-income countries, and 1 high-income country (United States) were included; 20,624 children (59%) had severe immunodeficiency. In low-income countries, the estimated prevalence of children starting cART with severe immunodeficiency declined from 76% in 2004 to 63% in 2010. Corresponding figures for lower middle-income countries were from 77% to 66% and for upper middle-income countries from 75% to 58%. In the United States, the percentage decreased from 42% to 19% during the period 1996 to 2006. In low- and middle-income countries, infants and children aged 12-15 years had the highest prevalence of severe immunodeficiency at cART initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite progress in most low- and middle-income countries, many children continue to start cART with severe immunodeficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV-infected children to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with immunodeficiency must remain a global public health priority.

[Impact of antiretroviral therapy on the biological profile of HIV positive children followed-up at Yaounde University Hospital in Cameroon]

Introduction

L'objectif de ce travail était d’évaluer l'impact du traitement antirétroviral sur le profil biologique des enfants VIH positifs suivis au Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Yaoundé au Cameroun.

Méthodes

Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective réalisée de Mai 2003 à Décembre 2012 au CHU de Yaoundé au Cameroun. Pour cette étude, nous avons obtenu une clairance éthique.

Résultats

L’âge moyen était de 54.02±46.34 mois. The sexe ratio était de 0.96 en faveur des garçons. Le diagnostic s’était fait tardivement (74.2%) ainsi que la mise sous traitement (83.3%). Seuls 36 des 116 enfants (31%) avait pu avoir un bilan biologique à l'initiation du traitement antirétroviral et six mois après l'initiation du traitement antirétroviral. Après six mois de traitement, nous avons enregistrés une augmentation significative des paramètres biologiques suivants: taux de glycémie de 0.09g/L (0.75-0.84; p= 0.007), pourcentage de CD4 chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans de 4.62% (20.12-24.75; p = 0.022), valeur absolue de CD4 chez les enfants de plus de 5 ans de 294 cellules/mm3 (151.18-445.18; p = 0.011), le rapport CD4/CD8 de 0.35 (0.55-0.90; p = 0.000). Enfin, après six mois de traitement, on enregistrait une baisse significative de la charge virale du VIH de 3.90 log (5.85-1.95; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Il ressort de cette étude que la restauration immunitaire et la suppression virologique peuvent être obtenus après six mois de traitement antirétroviral. Cependant, des efforts doivent encore être faits en ce qui concerne la prise en charge du suivi biologique, gage d'un bon suivi thérapeutique au Cameroun.

Outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus-infected children after anti-retroviral therapy in Malaysia

AIMS

To describe outcome and examine factors associated with mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children in Malaysia after anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

Retrospective and prospective data collected through March 2009 from children in four different states in Malaysia enrolled in TREAT Asia's Pediatric HIV Observational Database were analysed.

RESULTS

Of 347 children in the cohort, only 278 (80.1%) were commenced on ART. The median CD4 count and median age at baseline prior to ART was 272 cells/μL and 4.2 years (interquartile range (IQR): 1.4, 7.4 years), respectively. The median duration of follow-up was 3.7 years (IQR: 1.8, 6.0) with 32 deaths giving a crude mortality rate of 2.86 per 100 child-years. The mortality rate highest in the first 6 months of ART was 10.62 per 100 child-years and declined to 1.83 per 100 child-years thereafter. On univariate analyses, only baseline median CD4 percentage, weight for age z score, height for age z score and anaemia were significantly associated with mortality. Upon including all four of these predictors into a single multivariate model, only weight for age z score remained statistically significantly predictive of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Children commenced on ART had high mortality in the first 6 months especially in those with low CD4 percentage, wasting and anaemia. Poor nutritional status is an important independent predictor of mortality in this study. Besides initiating ART therapy, nutritional support and intervention must receive the utmost attention.

Predictors of Mortality in a Clinic Cohort of HIV-1 Infected Children Initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy in Jos, Nigeria

Background:

Mortality among human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected children initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) though on a decline still remains high in resource-limited countries (RLC). Identifying baseline factors that predict mortality could allow their possible modification in order to improve pediatric HIV care and reduce mortality.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing data on 691 children, aged 2 months-15 years, diagnosed with HIV-1 infection and initiated on ART between July 2005 and March 2013 at the pediatric HIV clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital. Lost to follow-up children were excluded from the analyses. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to identify predictors of mortality.

Results:

Median follow-up time for the 691 children initiated on ART was 4.4 years (interquartile range (IQR), 1.8-5.9) and at the end of 2752 person-years of follow-up, 32 (4.6%) had died and 659 (95.4%) survived. The mortality rate was 1.0 per 100 child-years of follow-up period. The median age of those who died was about two times lower than that of survivors [1.7 years (IQR, 0.6-3.6) versus 3.9 years (IQR, 3.9-10.3), p<0.001]. On unadjusted Cox regression, the risk of dying was about three and half times more in children <5 years of age compared to those >5 years (p=0.02) Multivariate modeling identified age as the main predictor of death with mortality decreasing by 24% for every 1 year increase in age (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR)=0.76 [0.62-0.94], p=0.013.

Conclusion:

The lower mortality rate for our study suggests that even in RLC, mortality rates could be reduced given a good standard of care. Early initiation of ART in younger children with close monitoring during follow-up could further reduce mortality.

Impact of adherence and anthropometric characteristics on nevirapine pharmacokinetics and exposure among HIV-infected Kenyan children

BACKGROUND

There are insufficient data on pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) pharmacokinetics (PK), particularly for children in low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective nevirapine (NVP) PK study among HIV-infected Kenyan children aged 3-13 years initiating an NVP-based ART regimen. NVP dose timing was measured through medication event monitors. Participants underwent 2 inpatient assessments: 1 at 4-8 weeks after ART initiation and 1 at 3-4 months after ART initiation. Allometric scaling of oral clearance (CL)/bioavailability (F) and volume of distribution (Vd)/F values were computed. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling using the first-order conditional estimation with interaction method was performed with covariates. The impact of adherence on time below minimum effective concentration was assessed in the final PK model using medication event monitors data and model-estimated individual parameters.

RESULTS

Among 21 children enrolled, mean age was 5.4 years and 57% were female. CL/F was 1.67 L/h and Vd/F was 3.8 L for a median child weighing 15 kg. Participants' age had a significant impact on CL/F (P < 0.05), with an estimated decrease in CL of 6.2% for each 1-year increase in age. Total body water percentage was significantly associated with Vd/F (P < 0.001). No children had >10% of time below minimum effective concentration when the PK model assumed perfect adherence compared with 10 children when adherence data were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and body composition were significantly associated with children's NVP PK parameters. ART adherence significantly impacted drug exposure over time, revealing subtherapeutic windows that may lead to viral resistance.

Predicting mortality in HIV-infected children initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy in a resource-deprived setting

BACKGROUND

While highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) programs have been scaled up across sub-Saharan Africa, no prognostic models for the prediction of mortality risk for children initiating HAART are widely available. Current clinical prediction tools for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children are derived from pre-HAART data and therefore cannot predict mortality for children initiating HAART. The purpose of this study was to develop a mortality risk scoring system for HIV-infected children beginning HAART in a resource-deprived setting.

METHODS

Observational data from HIV-infected children initiating HAART from December 2004 through March 2012 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to assess associations between demographic and clinical characteristics at the time of HAART initiation and mortality. Each child received a model-based risk score predicting mortality after HAART initiation.

RESULTS

By 31 March 2012, 1010 children had started HAART. One hundred three children (10.2%) died at a median of 5.3 months post-HAART initiation, yielding a mortality rate of 3.4 deaths per 100 child-years. The final mortality prediction model included undernutrition, low CD4 count, HIV symptoms, and low total lymphocyte count. These factors were highly predictive of mortality in the study population (C statistic = 0.79) and performed well when applied to the validation population (C statistic = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality among children starting HAART in resource-deprived settings can be predicted using a simple scoring system incorporating several readily available factors. Identifying predictors of mortality will help clinicians target modifiable risk factors, such as undernutrition, which are not directly addressed by HAART.

Poor clinical outcomes for HIV infected children on antiretroviral therapy in rural Mozambique: need for program quality improvement and community engagement

INTRODUCTION

Residents of Zambézia Province, Mozambique live from rural subsistence farming and fishing. The 2009 provincial HIV prevalence for adults 15-49 years was 12.6%, higher among women (15.3%) than men (8.9%). We reviewed clinical data to assess outcomes for HIV-infected children on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in a highly resource-limited setting.

METHODS

We studied rates of 2-year mortality and loss to follow-up (LTFU) for children <15 years of age initiating cART between June 2006-July 2011 in 10 rural districts. National guidelines define LTFU as >60 days following last-scheduled medication pickup. Kaplan-Meier estimates to compute mortality assumed non-informative censoring. Cumulative LTFU incidence calculations treated death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Of 753 children, 29.0% (95% CI: 24.5, 33.2) were confirmed dead by 2 years and 39.0% (95% CI: 34.8, 42.9) were LTFU with unknown clinical outcomes. The cohort mortality rate was 8.4% (95% CI: 6.3, 10.4) after 90 days on cART and 19.2% (95% CI: 16.0, 22.3) after 365 days. Higher hemoglobin at cART initiation was associated with being alive and on cART at 2 years (alive: 9.3 g/dL vs. dead or LTFU: 8.3-8.4 g/dL, p<0.01). Cotrimoxazole use within 90 days of ART initiation was associated with improved 2-year outcomes Treatment was initiated late (WHO stage III/IV) among 48% of the children with WHO stage recorded in their records. Marked heterogeneity in outcomes by district was noted (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found poor clinical and programmatic outcomes among children taking cART in rural Mozambique. Expanded testing, early infant diagnosis, counseling/support services, case finding, and outreach are insufficiently implemented. Our quality improvement efforts seek to better link pregnancy and HIV services, expand coverage and timeliness of infant diagnosis and treatment, and increase follow-up and adherence.

Anthropometry and body composition of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents under therapy with and without protease inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

Although the benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been documented, it is thought to be associated to disturbances in nutritional status. These disturbances may occur early in life and are poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between anthropometric parameters and body composition of perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents under HAART, according to use and non-use of protease inhibitors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study undertaken between August and December 2007. Demographic, socio-economic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected from the patients. The χ 2 test, Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann-Whitney) and t test were used to compare the following variables between users and non-users of protease inhibitors: age, gender, per capita income, HAART exposure, antiretroviral therapy adopted in the last three years, CD4 count, viral load, pubertal stage, nutritional status (BMI-for-age, height-for-age, waist and neck circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, upper-arm fat area and upper-arm muscle area).

SETTING

An HIV/AIDS out-patient clinic, São Paulo, Brazil.

SUBJECTS

One hundred and fifteen patients (children and adolescents aged 6-19 years).

RESULTS

Protease inhibitors users had a higher prevalence of stunting (P=0.03), lower BMI (P=0.03) and lower percentage of body fat (P=0.05) compared with non-users. There was no statistically significant difference between the HAART regimens and measurements of fat adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study suggest that children and adolescents under protease inhibitors are at higher risk of growth and development deviations, but not at risk of body fat redistribution.

Prognosis of children with HIV-1 infection starting antiretroviral therapy in Southern Africa: a collaborative analysis of treatment programs

BACKGROUND

Prognostic models for children starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa are lacking. We developed models to estimate the probability of death during the first year receiving ART in Southern Africa.

METHODS

We analyzed data from children ≤10 years of age who started ART in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe from 2004 to 2010. Children lost to follow up or transferred were excluded. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality in the first year of ART. We used Weibull survival models to construct 2 prognostic models: 1 with CD4%, age, World Health Organization clinical stage, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and anemia and the other without CD4%, because it is not routinely measured in many programs. We used multiple imputation to account for missing data.

RESULTS

Among 12,655 children, 877 (6.9%) died in the first year of ART. We excluded 1780 children who were lost to follow up/transferred from main analyses; 10,875 children were therefore included. With the CD4% model probability of death at 1 year ranged from 1.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-2.3] in children 5-10 years with CD4% ≥10%, World Health Organization stage I/II, WAZ ≥ -2 and without severe anemia to 46.3% (95% CI: 38.2-55.2) in children <1 year with CD4% < 5%, stage III/IV, WAZ< -3 and severe anemia. The corresponding range for the model without CD4% was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.8-2.7) to 33.4% (95% CI: 28.2-39.3). Agreement between predicted and observed mortality was good (C-statistics = 0.753 and 0.745 for models with and without CD4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These models may be useful to counsel children/caregivers, for program planning and to assess program outcomes after allowing for differences in patient disease severity characteristics.

Terapia antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes infectados pelo HIV: o que sabemos após 30 anos de epidemia

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o uso da terapia antirretroviral combinada em crianças e adolescentes com AIDS. Foram captados 247 resumos nos portais PubMed e LILACS, publicados entre 1983 e 2013, sendo utilizados 69 artigos para as referências bibliográficas. A atenção atribuída às pesquisas na faixa etária pediátrica durante os trinta anos de epidemia de AIDS se justifica por características imunológicas próprias, sendo a progressão da AIDS mais rápida em crianças que em adultos. Pesquisas recentes abordam estratégias de intervenção medicamentosa de alta potência antes do aparecimento dos sintomas iniciais. A introdução precoce da terapia antirretroviral combinada foi implantada com eficácia e segurança em populações com poucos recursos fixos, com melhora significativa da sobrevida desses pacientes. O desafio atual é lidar com uma doença crônica com intercorrências agudas. Novas pesquisas serão necessárias, atentando para as especificidades populacionais e particularizando as necessidades individuais dos pacientes pediátricos.

Predictors of adverse outcomes in HIV-1-infected children receiving combination antiretroviral treatment: results from a DREAM cohort in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

HIV-infected children have less access to combination antiretroviral therapy as compared with adults in resource-limited settings. Growth faltering, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and high mortality are frequently seen.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed with parameters extracted from the Drug Resource Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition database for HIV-infected, antiretroviral naïve children under 15 years presenting for care at 17 Drug Resource Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition centers in Mozambique, Malawi and Guinea between January 2005 to December 2008. Predictors of time-to-death, time-to-LTFU and persistence of malnutrition by Cox's regression and Kaplan-Meier were determined.

RESULTS

2215 children presented to care with 1343 (61%) being ≤ 5 years. At baseline, stunting and malnutrition occurred in 40% and 25%, respectively; 75% of 2149 children had CD4 cell percentages less than 20; median HIV RNA, log10 cp/mL, was 4.97 in 1927 patients. Over time 238 children died (10.7%; 2.7% person-years [PY]) 63 were LTFU (2.8%; 0.7% PY). By multivariate analysis, mortality was associated with virus load (hazards ratio: 1.19; confidence interval: 1.01-1.402, P = 0.038) and reduced weight-for-age Z scores (hazards ratio: 0.590; confidence interval: 0.53-0.66, P < 0.001). LTFU was associated with low weight-for-height Z scores (hazards ratio: 0.71; confidence interval: 0.51-0.97, P = 0.031). At 12 months after combination antiretroviral therapy, anthropometric parameters significantly improved in 1226 children (P < 0.001); virus load declined to <400 copies/mL in over 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advanced HIV disease, children initiating combination antiretroviral therapy had mortality rates of 2.7% p/PY with overall attrition rates of 11.7% p/100 PY, with significant reversal of negative anthropometric markers, and improvement of immunological and virological parameters in children with 12 months of follow-up.

Temporal trends in the characteristics of children at antiretroviral therapy initiation in southern Africa: the IeDEA-SA Collaboration

BACKGROUND

Since 2005, increasing numbers of children have started antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa and, in recent years, WHO and country treatment guidelines have recommended ART initiation for all infants and very young children, and at higher CD4 thresholds for older children. We examined temporal changes in patient and regimen characteristics at ART start using data from 12 cohorts in 4 countries participating in the IeDEA-SA collaboration.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Data from 30,300 ART-naïve children aged <16 years at ART initiation who started therapy between 2005 and 2010 were analysed. We examined changes in median values for continuous variables using the Cuzick's test for trend over time. We also examined changes in the proportions of patients with particular disease severity characteristics (expressed as a binary variable e.g. WHO Stage III/IV vs I/II) using logistic regression. Between 2005 and 2010 the number of children starting ART each year increased and median age declined from 63 months (2006) to 56 months (2010). Both the proportion of children <1 year and ≥10 years of age increased from 12 to 19% and 18 to 22% respectively. Children had less severe disease at ART initiation in later years with significant declines in the percentage with severe immunosuppression (81 to 63%), WHO Stage III/IV disease (75 to 62%), severe anemia (12 to 7%) and weight-for-age z-score<-3 (31 to 28%). Similar results were seen when restricting to infants with significant declines in the proportion with severe immunodeficiency (98 to 82%) and Stage III/IV disease (81 to 63%). First-line regimen use followed country guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Between 2005 and 2010 increasing numbers of children have initiated ART with a decline in disease severity at start of therapy. However, even in 2010, a substantial number of infants and children started ART with advanced disease. These results highlight the importance of efforts to improve access to HIV diagnostic testing and ART in children.

Mortality and long-term virologic outcomes in children and infants treated with lopinavir/ritonavir

BACKGROUND

There is scant data on young children receiving protease inhibitor-based therapy in real-life resource-limited settings and on the optimal timing of therapy among children who survive infancy. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes at the Hospital del Niño, Panama, where children have been routinely treated with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based therapy since 2002.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of all HIV-infected children enrolled in care between January 1, 1991, and June 1, 2011. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate death, virologic suppression and virologic rebound.

RESULTS

Of 399 children contributing 1944 person-years of follow-up, 254 (63.7%) were treated with LPV/r and 94 (23.6%) were never treated with antiretrovirals (ARVs). Among infants, improved survival was associated with male gender (hazard rate of death[HRdeath] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.92) and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HRdeath 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12-0.83), whereas residence outside of Panama City was associated with poorer survival (HRdeath 1.72, 95% CI: 1.01-2.94). Among children who survived to 1 year of age without exposure to ARVs, LPV/r-based therapy improved survival (HRdeath 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.33). Virologic suppression was achieved in 42.1%, 70.5% and 85.1% by 12, 24 and 60 months of follow-up among children treated with LPV/r. Virologic suppression was not associated with prior ARV exposure or age at initiation of therapy but was associated with residence outside of Panama City (HR suppression 1.93, 95% CI: 1.19-3.14). Patients with a baseline viral load >100,000 copies/mL were less likely to achieve suppression (HR suppression 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.66). No children who achieved virologic suppression after initiating LPV/r died.

CONCLUSIONS

LPV/r-based therapy improved survival not only in infants but also in children over 1 year of age. Age at initiation of LPV/r-based therapy or prior ARVs did not impact virologic outcomes.

Incidence and risk factors for first line anti retroviral treatment failure among Ugandan children attending an urban HIV clinic

Background

Early recognition of antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure in resource limited settings is a challenge given the limited laboratory facilities and trained personnel. This study aimed at describing the incidence, risk factors and the resistance associated mutations (RAMs) of first line treatment failure among HIV-1-infected children attending the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 701 children who had been initiated on ART between January 2004 and September 2009 at the JCRC was studied. Data of children aged 6 months up to 18 years who had been started on ART for at least 6 months was extracted from the clinic charts. The children who failed the first-line ART were taken as cases and those who did not fail as the controls. Data was analysed using STATA version10.

Results

Of 701 children, 240(34%) failed on first line ART (cases) and 461(66%) did not fail (controls). The overall median time (IQR) to first line ART failure was 26.4 (18.9 – 39.1) months. The factors associated with treatment failure were poor adherence [(OR = 10, 95 CI: 6.4 – 16.7) p < 0.001], exposure to single dose nevirapine (sdNVP) [(OR = 4.2, 95% CI:1.8-9.4), p = 0.005] and a NVP containing regimen [(OR = 2.2,95% CI:1.4-3.6), p < 0.001]. Of 109 genotypic resistance profiles analyzed, the commonest non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance associated mutations (RAM) were: K103N (59; 54%)), Y181C (36; 27%)) and G190A (26; 24%)) while the commonest nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) RAM was the M184V (89; 81%). Thymidine analogue- mutations (TAMs) were detected in 20% of patients.

Conclusions

One in three children on first-line ART are likely to develop virological treatment failure after the first 24 months of therapy. Poor adherence to ART, a NVP based first-line regimen, prior exposure to sdNVP were associated with treatment failure.

Understanding the contribution of common childhood illnesses and opportunistic infections to morbidity and mortality in children living with HIV in resource-limited settings

OBJECTIVE

Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced the incidence of HIV-related opportunistic infections among children living with HIV, access to ART remains limited for children, especially in resource-limited settings. This paper reviews current knowledge on the contribution of opportunistic infections and common childhood illnesses to morbidity and mortality in children living with HIV, highlights interventions known to improve the health of children, and identifies research gaps for further exploration.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Literature review of peer-reviewed articles and abstracts combined with expert opinion and operational experience.

RESULTS

Morbidity and mortality due to opportunistic infections has decreased in both developed and resource-limited countries. However, the burden of HIV-related infections remains high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of HIV-infected children live. Limitations in diagnostic capacity in resource-limited settings have resulted in a relative paucity of data on opportunistic infections in children. Additionally, the reliance on clinical diagnosis means that opportunistic infections are often confused with common childhood illnesseswhich also contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these children. Although several preventive interventions have been shown to decrease opportunistic infection-related mortality, implementation of many of these interventions remains inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to reduce opportunistic infection-related mortality, early ART must be expanded, training for front-line clinicians must be improved, and additional research is needed to improve screening and diagnostic algorithms.

Use of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-only regimens in HIV-infected children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

In adults, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-only antiretroviral regimens (NOARs) with ≥3 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are less potent than highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Published pediatric experience with NOARs is limited; thus, we wished to better define the virological, immunological and toxicological effects of NOARs in children and adolescents.

METHODS

We analyzed data from NOAR-treated participants in LEGACY, a multicenter observational cohort study of HIV-infected children and adolescents. NOAR-treated case-participants were matched to participants without prior NOAR who initiated HAART during the same year for comparison.

RESULTS

Of 575 participants with data from time of HIV diagnosis through 2006, 67 (12%) received NOARs for at least 24 weeks; most (46%) received the fixed dose combination of zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir. NOAR use peaked in 2001 to 2002. NOAR-treated participants were significantly older and more treatment experienced than HAART-treated participants. Virologic outcomes, including the percentage of participants with a plasma HIV RNA viral load <400 copies/mL at week 24 (47% versus 34%) and the mean 24-week change in log10 plasma HIV RNA viral load from baseline (-0.63 versus -1.02), were similar between NOAR- and HAART-treated participants, but virologic rebound was more likely in NOAR-treated participants (77% versus 54%, P = 0.02). Increase in CD4 percentage points from baseline to 24 weeks was negligible in NOAR-treated participants compared with HAART-treated participants (0.95% versus 10.1%, P < 0.001). Anemia and leukopenia were more commonly reported with NOARs than HAART.

DISCUSSION

Week 24 virologic outcomes were similar between NOAR- and HAART-treated participants, but NOAR durability was poorer and their use was associated with less immunologic reconstitution. NOARs should play a limited role in pediatric and adolescent antiretroviral therapy.

Retention of HIV-infected children on antiretroviral treatment in HIV care and treatment programs in Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Retention of children in HIV care is essential for prevention of disease progression and mortality.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of children (aged 0 to <15 years) initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART) at health facilities in Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Tanzania, from January 2005 to June 2011. Retention was defined as the proportion of children known to be alive and attending care at their initiation facility; lost to follow-up (LTF) was defined as no clinic visit for more than 6 months. Cumulative incidence of ascertained survival and retention after ART initiation was estimated through 24 months using Kaplan-Meier methods. Factors associated with LTF and death were assessed using Cox proportional hazard modeling.

RESULTS

A total of 17,712 children initiated ART at 192 facilities: median age was 4.6 years [interquartile ratio (IQR), 1.9-8.3], median CD4 percent was 15% (IQR, 10-20) for children younger than 5 years and 265 cells per microliter (IQR, 111-461) for children aged 5 years or older. At 12 and 24 months, 80% and 72% of children were retained with 16% and 22% LTF and 5% and 7% known deaths, respectively. Retention ranged from 71% to 95% at 12 months and from 62% to 93% at 24 months across countries, respectively, and was lowest for children younger than 1 year (51% at 24 months). LTF and death were highest in children younger than 1 year and children with advanced disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Retention was lowest in young children and differed across country programs. Young children and those with advanced disease are at highest risk for LTF and death. Further evaluation of patient- and program-level factors is needed to improve health outcomes.

High retention among HIV-infected children in Rwanda during scale-up and decentralization of HIV care and treatment programs, 2004 to 2010

BACKGROUND

Efforts to scale-up HIV treatment in high burden countries have resulted in wider access to care, improved survival and decreased morbidity for HIV-infected children. The country of Rwanda has made significant achievements in expanding coverage of pediatric HIV services.

METHODS

We describe the extent of and factors associated with mortality and lost to follow-up (LTF) in children (<15 years) enrolled in HIV care at 39 ICAP-supported facilities across Rwanda from 2004 to 2010 by antiretroviral treatment (ART) status. We estimated the 1-year cumulative incidence of death and LTF among all children enrolled in care (pre-ART) and children on ART. Survival analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with death and LTF in both groups.

RESULTS

Between January 2004 and June 2010, 3244 children with a median age of 5.7 years (interquartile range 2.8-9.6) enrolled in HIV care. One-year cumulative incidence for death and LTF among pre-ART children was 4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3-5%) and 5% (95% CI: 4-6%), respectively. Overall, 2035 (63%) children initiated ART, median age 6.3 years (interquartile range 3.3-10.4): 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of death and LTF were 3% (95% CI: 3-4%) and 1% (95% CI: 1-2%), respectively. Factors associated with an increased hazard for death among pre-ART children included being <18 months old versus ≥5 years (adjusted sub hazard ratio [aSHR] = 4.4, 95% CI: 2.9-6.8) and World Health Organization stage IV versus I (aSHR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.0-8.4), whereas children entering care through prevention of mother-to-child transmission had lower hazard than those from voluntary counseling and testing (aSHR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25-1.0). Markers of advanced disease, including severe immunosuppression (aSHR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12-0.54), and enrollment in care in rural versus urban clinics (aSHR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.97) were protective against LTF. For children on ART, factors associated with hazard of death included younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] <18 months versus ≥5 years = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.6), severe malnutrition versus not malnourished (aHR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-8.1), advanced World Health Organization stage (aHR IV versus I = 9.8, 95% CI: 3.5-27.4) and severe immunodeficiency versus no evidence (aHR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7-3.3). No associations were observed with LTF among children on ART.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate very high retention among children enrolled in HIV care in Rwanda. Younger children continue to be particularly vulnerable, underscoring the urgent need for early identification, rapid treatment initiation and long-term retention in care.

Mortality and treatment outcomes of China's National Pediatric antiretroviral therapy program

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe 3-year mortality rates, associated risk factors, and long-term clinical outcomes of children enrolled in China's national free pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) program.

METHODS

Records were abstracted from the national human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS case reporting and national pediatric ART databases for all HIV-positive children ≤15 years old who initiated ART prior to December 2010. Mortality risk factors over 3 years of follow-up were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Life tables were used to determine survival rate over time. Longitudinal plots of CD4(+) T-cell percentage (CD4%), hemoglobin level, weight-for-age z (WAZ) score, and height-for-age z (HAZ) score were created using generalized estimating equation models.

RESULTS

Among the 1818 children included in our cohort, 93 deaths were recorded in 4022 child-years (CY) of observed time for an overall mortality rate of 2.31 per 100 CY (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-2.78). The strongest factor associated with mortality was baseline WAZ score <-2 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 9.1; 95% CI, 2.5-33.2), followed by World Health Organization stage III or IV disease (adjusted HR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.2), and hemoglobin <90 g/L (adjusted HR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.9). CD4%, hemoglobin level, WAZ score, and HAZ score increased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding that 94% of children engaged in this program are still alive and of improved health after 3 years of treatment demonstrates that China's national pediatric ART program is effective. This program needs to be expanded to better meet treatment demands, and efforts to identify HIV-positive children earlier must be prioritized.