A study on clinical profile of paediatric HIV infection in the age group of 18 months to 12 years and its correlation with CD4 count

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the clinical profile of pediatric HIV infection in the age group of 18 month to 12 years and to correlate the clinical features with their CD4 count.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted over a period of 1 year from October 2007 to October 2008 at Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem and included 100 children (aged between 18 months-12 years) diagnosed HIV by using rapid antigen tests or ELISA. Demographic data, clinical manifestations correlating with CD4 count and nutritional status of the children were recorded in predesigned proforma and analysed.Results: 100 children were included (males-65 and females-35) in the study. 22 children were asymptomatic and 78 were symptomatic. Clinical symptoms like skin lesions in 29, oral lesions in 10, lymphadenopathy in 46 children were observed. The respiratory (13%), central nervous (12%) and haemotological systems (16%) were most commonly involved organs systems. Children in stage III and IV disease were into Grade I-IV PEM classification (for weight) and majority of stage I-IV children were in Grade II according to Mclaren’s classification (for height).Conclusions: Majority of children with HIV infection presented with various clinical manifestations, malnutrition and immunosuppression. Hence, early identification of the disease and proper management in children helps in improving the immunological status and thereby life span of the child.