TITLE:
Survival of HIV Infected Children Born to Mothers Enrolled in a PMTCT Program in a Resource Poor Setting
AUTHORS:
F. Z. Gumbo, G. Q. Kandawasvika, E. N. Kurewa, K. Duri, P. Chandiwana, M. P. Mapingure, M. Z. Chirenje, B. Stray-Pedersen
KEYWORDS:
HIV Infected Children Outcome; Mortality; Loss to Follow Up
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of AIDS,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
5,
2013
ABSTRACT: Background: Pediatric HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The
substantial expansion in PMTCT has generated information on rates of
transmission and associated factors, but there are limited studies on disease
progression and mortality in vertically infected children, especially from
resource poor settings. Methods: A
birth cohort study was initiated in 2002 to focus on the role of a single dose
of nevirapine in HIV transmission before Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
(HAART) was readily available. The enrolment of women and subsequent follow up of
the children occurred at 3 peri urban clinics around Harare. Findings: 479 women were HIV infected.
From these, 93 (19%) children became HIV infected, 182 (38.0%) uninfected and
204 (43%) lost to follow up before HIV diagnosis. Of the HIV infected children,
40 (43%) died before the fifth birthday, 26 (28%) were lost to follow up and 27
(29%) were alive five years after maternal enrolment prior to availability of
cART. Conclusion: In this setting,
there was unacceptable high mortality from HIV infected children and loss to
follow up prior to availability of HAART. A small proportion of HIV vertically
infected children is surviving in resource poor settings without antiretroviral
therapy.