The Clinico-Epidemiological profile of HIV Positive Children in Central Rajasthan

Dr. Monika Singh; Dr. Khushboo Agarwal; Dr. B.S. Karnawat

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

The Clinico-Epidemiological profile of HIV Positive Children in Central Rajasthan

Dr. Monika Singh, Dr. Khushboo Agarwal, Dr. B. S. Karnawat

Abstract :

Background: Assessment of clinico epidemiological characteristics of HIV infected children in central Rajasthan. Methods: All children registered at ART centre, those attending the centre for follow up and those admitted or attending OPD in pediatric department for the treatment of associated medical illness in one year period were enrolled for study. In our study HIV positive children were divided in two groups PRE ART (ART is not yet started) and ART (on the basis of their antiretroviral therapy status). ART was started in 18 months to 5 years old in patients with their CD4 count <500cells/mm3 and in more than 5years <200cells/mm3. All data pertaining to clinical and epidemiological characteristics were recorded. They were further classified into clinical staging as per WHO guideline and immunological staging based on CD4 count. Results: Maximum number (42.15%) of cases belonged to the age group of 1–5years. There was predominance of boys (62.81%). Maximum number of cases belonged to lower middle class (42%). 80% of cases belonged to rural areas. Vertical route (81.81%) was the most common mode of transmission in children. Mostly cases presented with fever (32.89% in PRE ART and 36.67% in ART group), cough (19.74% and 15.56% in PRE ART and ART respectively) along with failure to thrive. Tuberculosis (64.44% in ART group), ARI (67.10% in PRE ART group) and diarrhea (52.63% in PRE ART and 75.56% in ART group) were the commonest opportunistic infections. In PRE ART two third cases were in clinical stage II while in ART group half of the cases were in stage III. Conclusion: Majority of children with HIV presented with vague clinical manifestations like prolonged fever, cough, diarrhea, failure to thrive etc which are commonly encountered in pediatric practice. Hence high index of suspicion of HIV, early identification of the disease and proper management in children would help improving their quality of life as well as life span.