Correlates of fasting blood glucose among children living with hiv in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study

Ijeoma Onyinye Ohuche,Justus Uchenna Onu,Elizabeth Eberechi Oyenusi,Ugo Nnenna Chikani,Abiola Oduwole

doi:10.1186/s12887-020-02335-y

Abstract

BackgroundThere is growing concern as regards the emergence of metabolic disorders among children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide. However, there is paucity of data on the correlates of metabolic indices among HIV-positive children in Africa.MethodsThis study examined 84 HIV-positive children on HAART recruited from the paediatric infectious diseases clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital for blood glucose levels using finger-prick testing with an Accu-check glucose meter and test strips. Clinical information was obtained via clinical history and medical records. Data was analyzed to examine the relationship between FBG and the classes of HAART, duration of illness and treatment using analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsFBG was significantly associated with the classes of HAART (x2=12.4, p = 0.017). In addition, there was a significant association between FBG and duration of illness [F(2, 81) = 6.0; P = 0.004], as well as FBG and duration on HAART [F(2, 81) = 7.9; P = 0.001]. However, duration on HAART and type of HAART were the significant predictors of FBG in this study accounting for 10.5% and 4.1% of the variance, respectively.ConclusionsThere is a greater risk of dysglycemia in paediatric patients with a longer cumulative exposure to HAART. Routine blood glucose checks among children on HAART, especially those who have received HAART for a longer duration of time may therefore be useful in their management.

Highlights

There is growing concern as regards the emergence of metabolic disorders among children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide
Disorders of glucose metabolism are especially important among the cardio-metabolic consequences of HAAR T, since pre-diabetes has been identified as a well-known risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which would lead to increased morbidity and mortality among children with HIV, if present [5, 6]
Majority (91.7%) of the participants were on an nucleoside- reverse transcriptor-inhibitor (NNRTI)-based highly-active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen

Summary

Introduction

There is growing concern as regards the emergence of metabolic disorders among children living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide. Nigeria has the second largest HIV pandemic burden worldwide, [1] and in 2017, accounted for half of all children and adolescents living with HIV in West and Central Africa [1]. These children are more likely to survive and have longer lifespans, as a consequence of improved awareness and screening, as well as success with the use Ohuche et al BMC Pediatrics (2020) 20:458. Since glucose abnormalities increase the risk of development of type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease in predisposed individuals, the need for such data cannot be over-emphasized. The knowledge obtained from this study will enrich our knowledge of HIV management and its long-term consequences, and will improve management outcomes for children living with HIV in the long run

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