Antiretroviral Therapy In Children Research Articles

Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Associated Factors Among HIV-Infected Children in Public Health Institutions of Adwa, Axum, and Shire Towns of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) provision was among the major challenge of treatments. Maintaining the optimal level of adherence among children living with HIV/AIDS is a pivotal step towards achieving treatment success. However, there are limited studies on child's ART adherence. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among HIV-infected children in health institutions of Adwa, Axum, and Shire towns, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children in between February and April, 2016. A total of 255 children who were taking antiretroviral therapy in the randomly selected three health facilities from Adwa, Axum and Shire towns were included. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires using a face-to-face interview. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected children. A total of the 255 study participants were included in the study. The level of ART adherence among HIV-positive children was 212 (84.8%). Knowledge of caregivers about ART treatment (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.18, 6.53), occupational status (AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.26, 18.91), appointment to ART less than two months (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.21, 7.70) and use of memory aids (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.73, 12.13) were independently associated with adherence to ART. The level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy was low. Healthcare providers should reinforce adherence intervention and counseling sessions during follow-up and address the proper use of medication reminders to help children take their drugs appropriately.

Virological failure of first-line antiretroviral therapy in children living with HIV in Indonesia and associated factors

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends viral load (VL) monitoring for HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, availability of VL monitoring in low-income countries remains limited.
 Objective To investigate factors associated with virological failure in HIV-infected children treated without routine VL monitoring.
 Methods This cohort study was done in children living with HIV (CLHIV) registered at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital from 2004 to 2021. Viral load monitoring was not routinely done. Subjects with at least one VL result after 6 months on ART were included in the study. Virological failure was defined as a VL of >1,000 copies. Subjects’ data were obtained from medical records, laboratory reports, and dispensing pharmacies. Statistical analysis was done following survival analysis with hazard ratio.
 Results There were 384 children who had at least 1 VL result after ART was initiated. Median age at diagnosis was 30 months. Length of follow-up ranged from 6 to 216 months, with a mean frequency of VL monitoring of 0.7 times/person/year. Most subjects were already in clinical stages 3 and 4 (77.8%); 75% met severe immunodeficiency criteria. Virological failure was found in 45.8% of subjects after a median of 33 months on first-line ART, yielding an incidence of 3.3 per 1,000 person months. Independent associated factors were age at diagnosis of <60 months (HR 1.714; 95%CI 1.13 to 2.6), severe immunodeficiency (HR 1.71; 95%CI 1.15 to 2.54), referral cases (HR 1.70; 95%CI 1.23 to 2.36), and WHO clinical staging 3 (HR 1.987; 95%CI 0.995 to 3.969) and 4 (HR 2.084; 95%CI 1.034 to 4.201). Subjects with virological failure had lower weight-for-age z-scores [median 1.92; interquartile range (IQR) -3.003 to -0.81] and height-for-age z-scores [median -2.05; IQR -2.902 to -1.04] at the time of failure.
 Conclusions In HIV-infected children treated without routine VL monitoring, age at diagnosis <60 months, severe immunodeficiency, WHO clinical stage 3 and 4, and referral from other centers were associated with virological failure.

HIV infection and exposure in children and adolescents

HintergrundSeit 1997 steht mit den antiretroviralen, kombinierbaren Wirkstoffen eine effektive Prävention und Behandlung einer Infektion mit dem „human immunodeficiency virus“ (HIV) zur Verfügung.FragestellungWas wurde in dieser Zeit durch die Transmissionsprophylaxe und Behandlung der HIV-Infektion bei Kindern in Deutschland erreicht?Material und MethodenDarstellung der Entwicklung der Transmissionsprophylaxe und der epidemiologischen Erhebungen des Robert Koch-Instituts, Darstellung der Arzneimittelentwicklung und der Leitlinien zur antiretroviralen Therapie (ART) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen, Vorstellung von Erhebungen der deutschen Kinder-HIV-Kohorte („German pediatric and adolescent HIV cohort“, GEPIC).ErgebnisseDie Einführung der HIV-Testung Schwangerer hat die regelmäßige ART HIV-positiver Schwangerer und die Einführung von transmissionsmindernden Maßnahmen möglich gemacht. Damit konnte das Risiko der vertikalen Transmission von ca. 30 % auf < 1 % gesenkt werden. Gegenwärtig wird untersucht, ob HIV-exponierte Kinder ohne Risiko gestillt werden können. Die ART bei Kindern hat die Überlebensraten sowie die körperliche und die kognitive Entwicklung HIV-positiver Kinder entscheidend verbessert. Neue Wirkstoffe haben ein günstigeres Nebenwirkungsprofil. In Deutschland konnten die WHO-Ziele, bei 90 % der Kinder eine vollständige Suppression der Viruslast zu erzielen, erreicht werden. Späte Diagnosen sind bei Kindern und Jugendlichen weiterhin mit schweren Infektionen verbunden. Die HIV-Infektion ist weiterhin eine Erkrankung mit Stigma geblieben und wird deswegen meist gegenüber den Kindern und ihrer Umwelt geheim gehalten.SchlussfolgerungMit der jetzt möglichen Transmissionsprophylaxe und Therapie gelingt es, Transmissionen weitgehend zu verhindern und HIV-positiven Kindern bei frühzeitiger Diagnose ein weitgehend gesundes Leben zu ermöglichen. Das Ziel, dass Kinder ihre Krankheit ohne Angst kennen und nennen können, ist nach wie vor nicht erreicht.

Аdverse events underlying antiretroviral therapy in children with HIV infection

Introduction. Human immunodeficiency virus infection can alter properties of blood vessels in children and increase the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases in the future. Today the actual contribution of the effects of both HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy into such changes remains unknown. Objective. We seek to assess adverse events, including metabolic disorders (dyslipidemias), underlying antiretroviral therapy, and to determine the relation between metabolic disorders and intima injury in children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).Materials and methods. The adverse events were investigated within the framework of a prospective and retrospective study. The study included evaluation of biochemical parameters in relation to the therapeutic regimen; calculation of atherogenic index of plasma; and determination of incidence of dyslipidemia in children. In addition to standard tests, children on ART were evaluated for insulin resistance (using HOMA-IR) and submitted to diagnostic imaging including Doppler ultrasonography of brachiocephalic arteries and veins.Results. Children on protease inhibitor-based ART have higher total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels in comparison to both children on NNRTI-based ART and children who do not receive ART. LDL levels in children on long-term ART remained within the tolerance range and were clearly higher than those in children who did not receive ART. Carotid IMT was higher in children on NNRTI-based ART in comparison to those who received protease inhibitor-based therapy; and the correlation analysis conducted revealed positive correlation between the age and carotid IMT: The later ART was prescribed, the greater IMT was, which most likely was attributable to HIV effects.Conclusion. Prescription of antiretroviral therapy at an older age results in changes in the intima-media complex, which may give evidence to vasoprotective effects of the therapy. Since HIV is directly involved in causing injury to the intima, it is advisable to start managing HIV infection in children as soon as they are diagnosed with the infection; and children to whom ART is prescribed at an older age and who develop dyslipidemia should be additionally evaluated by medical imaging with Doppler ultrasonography with carotid IMT measurement.

Short-Term Adverse Drug Reactions to Antiretroviral Therapy in Children with HIV: A Cohort Study.

To carry out an active surveillance for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children with HIV infection newly initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART), determine risk factors for their occurrence, and assess their influence on adherence to ART. All children newly initiated on ART from 1st March 2014 to 30th June 2019 at a tertiary care children's hospital in New Delhi, were actively monitored for ADRs to ART for a period of 6 mo after ART initiation. The frequency, spectrum, and severity of ADRs, their influence on adherence, and risk factors for their occurrence were analyzed. Among the 174 enrolled children, ADRs were observed in 78 (44.8%) children during the first 6 mo after ART initiation. Total numbers of episodes of ADR observed were 108 (0.62 episodes of ADR/child). Sixty percent of events were of grade 1 severity, 19.4% events were of grade 2 and 3 each, while 1 (0.9%) event was of grade 4 severity. Adherence to ART was adversely affected in 21.8% of ADRs. Gastrointestinal symptoms (49.1%) were most frequent among all the events observed. Zidovudine, lopinavir/ritonavir, efavirenz and nevirapine based regimes were significantly associated with hematological, gastrointestinal, neurological, and dermatological ADRs, respectively. Children with immunological suppression were at a higher risk of developing ADRs as compared to those without it [RR 1.9 (95% CI (1.1-3.2)]. ADRs to ART are very frequent; most of them are mild and self-limiting. However, they can adversely impact adherence to ART. Anticipatory guidance, ongoing monitoring, and provision of symptomatic treatment will help tide over most ADRs and reduce their adverse impact upon ART adherence.

Switching efavirenz to rilpivirine in virologically suppressed adolescents with HIV: a multi-centre 48-week efficacy and safety study in Thailand.

IntroductionEfavirenz (EFV) is commonly used for first‐line antiretroviral therapy in children and adolescents with HIV, but is associated with neuropsychiatric and metabolic side effects. Rilpivirine (RPV) is better tolerated, and switching from EFV to RPV in virologically suppressed adults has been safe and efficacious, but data in adolescents are limited. Our primary objective was to describe the 48‐week immunologic and virologic outcomes in virologically suppressed adolescents switching from EFV‐ to RPV‐based antiretroviral therapy. Secondary objectives included assessment of neuropsychiatric adverse events, quality of life (QOL) and metabolic profiles while on RPV.MethodsWe conducted an open‐label, single‐arm, multi‐centre study in Thailand in virologically suppressed adolescents aged 12–18 years receiving EFV plus two nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs/NtRTI) for ≥3 months. Participants were switched to an RPV (25 mg) tablet once daily, with the same NRTIs. HIV RNA viral load, CD4 cell count, fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, glucose, neuropsychiatric adverse events, depression and QOL were assessed over 48 weeks. Data were collected between February 2016 and September 2018.ResultsOne hundred and two (52% male) adolescents were enrolled. Median age at entry was 15.5 years (IQR 14.4–17.0), median CD4 count was 664 cells/mm3 (29.9%); 58% were receiving tenofovir‐DF and emtricitabine. At weeks 24 and 48, 96 (94.1%) and 94 (92.2%) participants were virologically suppressed, respectively, with no significant change in CD4 cell counts from baseline. Six (5.9%) participants experienced virologic failure, two of whom had RPV‐associated mutations (K101E and Y181C) and a lamivudine‐associated mutation (M184V/I). There were significant decreases in TC, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) at weeks 24 and 48 and a significant increase in LDL/HDL ratio at week 48 compared to baseline. No substantial changes in EFV‐related symptoms, depression score or health‐related QOL were observed over time; however, there was significant improvement in performance‐based assessments of executive function at week 24.ConclusionsA high proportion of adolescents (>92%) remained virologically suppressed up to 48 weeks after switching from EFV to RPV along with no significant change in CD4 cell counts. RPV was well tolerated and associated with improvements in metabolic profiles and executive function.

Adherence to anti-retroviral therapy in children

Adherence to anti-retroviral therapy in children

Antiretroviral Therapy in Children and Adolescents: A Look Into Modern Single Tablet Regimens.

Single tablet regimens (STRs) have simplified antiretroviral therapy (ART) over the years in the adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population. However, there is still a prevalent need to simplify regimens in children and adolescents living with HIV. Finding the optimal regimen requires a multi-factorial approach due to their complex pharmacokinetic profiles throughout childhood and the challenges and limitations of medication non-adherence in the pediatric population. These challenges include pill size, available formulations, palatability, and caregiver health literacy, which can all affect the proper administration of medications. The complexity of this population implies the importance of customizing everyone's antiretroviral regimen so that the patient and family can successfully adhere to the therapy. The current recommendations for ART in the adult and pediatric populations are similar, yet the use of STRs are limited. The goal of this review was to assess current data on available STRs and determine their utility as ART in the pediatric population.

Outcomes After Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Children Living With HIV in Latin America.

Little is known about the long-term outcomes of children living with HIV in Latin America. Few studies have examined antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen switches in the years after the introduction of ART in this population. This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes among children who started second-line ART in the Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology. Children (<18 years old) with HIV who switched to second-line ART at sites within Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology were included. The cumulative incidence and relative hazards of virologic failure while on second-line ART, loss to follow-up, additional major ART regimen changes, and all-cause mortality were evaluated using competing risks methods and Cox models. A total of 672 children starting second-line ART were included. Three years after starting second-line ART, the cumulative incidence of death was 0.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.13], loss to follow-up was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.17), and major regimen change was 0.19 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.22). Of those changing regimens, 35% were due to failure and 11% due to toxicities/side effects. Among the 312 children with viral load data, the cumulative incidence of virologic failure at 3 years was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.68); time to virologic failure and regimen change were uncorrelated (rank correlation -0.001; 95% CI -0.18 to 0.17). Poor outcomes after starting second-line ART in Latin America were common. The high incidence of virologic failure and its poor correlation with changing regimens was particularly worrisome. Additional efforts are needed to ensure children receive optimal ART regimens.

Immunopathogenetic significance of activation and apoptosis of immunocompetent cells in children with HIV infection

The purposeis to clarify the immunopathogenetic significance of immunocompetent cells activation and apoptosis in children with HIV-infection.Materials and methods. A clinical and immunological examination of 92 children aged 1 to 5 years old with HIVinfection in latent stage 3 (25), in the stage of secondary diseases 4A (21), 4B (22) and 4V (24) was conducted.Results.During the clinical examination, the consistent appearance of HIV-associated symptoms, opportunistic infections, and tumors was noted. Changes in the immune status included abnormalities in the T-cell component – a decrease in the number of CD4-, CD3-, increase of CD8-lymphocytes, inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio, in the B-cell component – hyperimmunoglobulinemia, increase in the content of circulating immune complexes, in the part of innate immunity factors – a decrease in the intensity of the oxygen-dependent neutrophil metabolism and its reserve capabilities. Identified impaired positive activation of lymphocytes – a decrease in the number of CD25- and an increase in HLADR-cells. An increase in the expression of CD95-receptors on the lymphocyte membrane, an increase in the number of lymphocytes in the early (AnV) and late stages of apoptosis (AnV/Pr) was found. With the progression of HIV infection, there was a deepening of these shifts in immunological parameters, especially during the transition to the stage of secondary diseases 4V (AIDS).Conclusion.An immunological examination and correlation analysis showed that an important immunopathogenetic mechanism for reducing the number of CD4 lymphocytes in children with HIV infection is the activation of apoptosis involving the receptor and mitochondrial mechanisms. One of the reasons for the formation of depressed cellular immunity was the hyperactivation of immunocompetent cells. The findings provide a rationale for the timely prescription of antiretroviral therapy for children with HIV-infection, which will prevent hyperactivation and apoptosis of immune system cells.

Immunovirological treatment outcomes after 2 years of antiretroviral therapy in children living with the human immune deficiency virus in Lagos Nigeria

Background/objective: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine assessment of antiretroviral treatment outcomes to detect treatment failure early and prevent the development of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to describe treatment outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) over 2 years in children living with the human immune deficiency virus enrolled in the paediatric HIV clinic at the Lagos UniversityTeaching Hospital (LUTH).Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of antiretroviral treatment outcomes in 278 children receiving antiretroviral therapy at the paediatric HIV clinic of LUTH. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from clinical records of pediatric patientswho received antiretroviral therapy for 2 years ( from November 2015 to December 2017) . Virological failure was defined as viral load &gt; 400 copies/ml and immunological failure was defined as a CD4 count &lt;100 cells/mm3 or CD4 % &lt;15% after receiving antiretroviral agents for 12 months. Data was analysed using graph pad prism version 5.0.Results: After 12 months on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 101 (36%) had virological failure while 14 (5%) and 36 (13%) failed immunologically [CD4 count &lt;100 cells/mn3 and CD4 &lt;15% respectively]. Virological blips were observed at 24 months in 6.1% of patients while immunovirological discordance occurred in 30% of patients (poor virological clearance despite good immunological recovery) . High baseline viral load (&gt;5000 copies/ml), poor adherence (&lt;95%) and low baseline CD4 counts (101-249 cells/mn3) were significantly associated with virological failure, while low baseline CD4 counts (&lt;350 cells/mn3) and poor adherence (&lt;95%) were significantly associated with immunologic failure.Conclusion: The treatment outcomes observed in this study are similar to those reported in earlier studies. At 1 and 2 years of antiretroviral therapy , there was immune restoration however 101 (36%) and 87 (31%) respectively had virological failure despite good adherence to therapy and good Immunological restoration. This calls for early initiation and switch to second and third line drugs .&#x0D; Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine, virological blips, immunovirological discordance , children, Nigeria.

Virologic response to efavirenz-based first-line antiretroviral therapy in children with previous exposure to antiretrovirals to prevent mother-to-child transmission

Efavirenz-based first-line regimens have been widely used for children ≥3 years of age starting antiretroviral therapy, despite possible resistance with prior exposure to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). We used logistic regression to examine the association between PMTCT exposure and viral failure (VF) defined as two consecutive viral loads (VL)>1000 copies/ml between 6–18 months on ART. Children with previous nevirapine exposure for PMTCT were not at higher risk of VF compared to unexposed children (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.79; 95% CI:0.56, 1.11).

Virologic failure and switch to second-line antiretroviral therapy in children with HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi: an observational cohort study.

As routine viral load testing among HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) expands, virologic failure (VF) among children in developing countries remains poorly understood. We assessed the rate of VF, the proportion failing who were subsequently switched to second-line ART and factors associated with VF among children ≤18y. An observation cohort study among 1312 children at two public clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi who initiated a first-line ART regimen between January 2014 and December 2017 and remained on treatment for ≥6mo was conducted. Kaplan-Meier methods estimated the probabilities of VF. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models were used to explore predictors of VF. Overall, 16% (208/1312) of children experienced VF with an incidence rate of 10.1 events per 100 person-years. Of the 208, 184 (88%) were switched to second-line ART: 68 (43%) switched the same day VF was confirmed and 106 (66%) switched within 90d of confirmed VF. Use of a Nevirapine (NVP)-based regimen and initiating ART in 2016-2017 compared with 2014-2015 were independent predictors of VF. VF is common among children receiving ART. The findings suggest that VF can be reduced by phasing out NVP-based regimen and by ensuring optimal adherence to ART.

2526. Side Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy in Children with HIV in a Referral Center in Mexico

BackgroundHuman Inmunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) is still a challenge in many parts of the world, mainly in children. In Mexico the infection has been decreasing, however we still have cases, in 2018 we had 40 perinatal new cases reported. The antiretroviral therapy has shown to be effective to control the disease but it is not free of adverse effects, the children with vertical transmission are exposed to many years of the antiretroviral therapy.MethodsRetrospective, observational descriptive study at Instituto Nacional de Pediatría during 2004–2019. We included every children under 18 years old who received treatment for HIV and had a complete medical record.ResultsWe found 61 patients under 18 years that fulfill the data for the analysis. 37 (60%) were male, the mean age at diagnosis of HIV infection was 47 months, the antiretroviral therapy that received 57 patients (93.4%) of the study was zidovudine, lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir, only 4 received another therapy: 3 of them received abacavir, lamivudine, and lopinavir/ritonavir and the missing one received abacavir, lamivudine and raltegravir. 43% of the children of our study showed adverse effects after the antiretroviral therapy, the mean time of adverse effects presentation was 37 months after the beginning of the treatment. The most common effect was hypertriglyceridemia with 13 cases, in second place we found hypercholesterolemia in 7 cases, and both in 5 cases, other frequent effects were hepatotoxicity in 5 cases, diarrhea in 4 cases, anemia in 3 cases, vomit in 3 cases, abdominal pain and night terrors in 2 cases each one. It was necessary the change of the therapy because of adverse effects in 6 cases (9.8%).ConclusionAntiretroviral therapy is effective although it has many side effects. We observe that adverse effects are frequent, almost the half, in pediatric population, it depends on the antiretroviral selection, for children we had only a few options because of the little doses they need or the inability to swallow tablets. It′s important to monitor and control all the adverse effects because they increase morbidity and mortality, especially dyslipidemia, that has been associated with cardiovascular risk and it was the most common effect found in our study.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Evaluation of weight-based prescription of antiretroviral therapy in children.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the extent of and factors associated with incorrect dosing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV‐infected children in Harare, Zimbabwe.MethodsAll children aged 0–10 years and children aged 11–17 years who weighed < 35 kg and taking ART were recruited from the paediatric HIV clinic at Harare Hospital. Their current doses of ART drugs were compared against doses recommended by the national guidelines.ResultsAmong 309 children recruited [55% male; median age 7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5–10 years)], the median CD4 count was 899 cells/μL and the median duration of their current ART regimen was 11.2 months (IQR 4.9–17.1 months). Overall, 110 (35.6%) children were prescribed incorrect doses of at least one drug component within their ART regimen; 64 (20.7%) under‐dosed and 49 (15.9%) over‐dosed on at least one drug. Children receiving a higher than recommended dose of at least one drug were younger compared with correctly dosed children (median 6 versus 7 years, respectively; P = 0.001), had been on their current ART regimen for a shorter time (median 7.2 versus 13 months, respectively; P = 0.003) and were less likely to be receiving a three‐drug fixed‐dose combination (FDC; 42.9 versus 63.3%, respectively; P = 0.009). Those who were under‐dosed were also less likely to be on a three‐drug FDC (25 versus 63.3%, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionsOver a third of children were prescribed incorrect doses of ART. Children taking triple‐drug FDCs were likely to be correctly dosed. Our study highlights the importance of weight monitoring at each clinical contact, training of health care providers on paediatric drug dosing and the need for wider availability of FDCs for children.

An evaluation of elvitegravir plus cobicistat plus tenofovir alafenamide plus emtricitabine as a single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV in children and adolescents

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Approximately 2.1 million of the estimated 36 million infected with HIV are children or adolescents. International guidelines for HIV-1 Infection suggest starting antiretrovirals (ARV) at the moment of diagnosis. Many factors limit the optimization of antiretroviral therapy in children and adolescents: lack of pediatric formulations, poor adherence, metabolic and pharmacokinetic changes associated withnormal child development and puberty.Areas covered: Three integrase inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and by European Medical Agency for children and adolescents with HIV-1 infection. Raltegravir is approved for children aged 4 weeks to 18 years, while dolutegravir and elvitegravir co-formulated with cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/FTC/TAF) are approved for children from 6 years of age. This article evaluates E/C/FTC/TAF as a treatment option.Expert opinion: E/C/FTC/TAF was well tolerated, and the antiretroviral activity and tolerability data of this combination support the use in children and adolescents. However, the studies regarding E/C/FTC/TAF in children and adolescents are scant. Consequently, additional studies investigating its safety and efficacy in children are paramount.

DEPENDENCE OF DETECTION OF MARKERS OF OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS FROM ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN CHILDREN BORN BY HIV-INFECTED MATTERS

Aim. To study the dependence of detection of markers of opportunistic infections from afherence to antiretroviral therapy in children born to HIV-infected mothers on the example of herpesvirus infectionsand pneumocystis. Materials and methods. Samples of biological materials (blood serum and blood cells) of 66 children with HIV infection aged 1 month to 15 years old were treated in Children’s Boxed Department of Children’s Hospital No. 2 with diagnoses «incomplete HIV test» (children from the age of one month to one and a half years) and «HIV infection». To determine IgM and IgG to herpesviruses and pneumocyst, the method of enzyme immunoassay was used; indirect immunofluorescence reaction for the detection of herpesviruses and their antigens in the blood, early antigens and virus reproduction were determined using a rapid culture method. Results. 56.0% of the surveyed children received complete antiretroviral therapy, in 16,7% of cases they were not complete, and 27,3% of children did not fully adhere to ARVT. Despite the fact that 100% of children with an incomplete diagnosis of HIV infection were covered by ARVT due to the use of chemotherapy drugs by their mothers during pregnancy, they still had markers of both active and latent forms of herpesvirus infections and pneumocystis. In children with confirmed HIV infection living both in social institutions and in families, the markers of opportunistic infections were more often diagnosed in patients receiving ARVT in full and not in full volume than in children who did not have it. Conclusion. Identification of markers of active forms of herpesvirus infections and pneumocystis in HIV-positive children not receiving ARV is the basis for its immediate appointment.

IMPROVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH HIV INFECTION

The objective — to characterize the effectiveness of different schemes of antiretroviral therapy in children with HIV infection and on the basis of the obtained data to improve of the disease treatment. Patients and Methods: A clinical, immunological and virological examination of 45 children with HIV infection were carried. Patients received antiretroviral therapy — abacavire and lamivudine in combination with lopinavir/ritonavir (24 patients) or nevirapine (21 children). Results: Using both antiretroviral therapy schemes leads to suppression of HIV replication, improvement of clinical and immunological parameters. However, the treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir revealed a significant positive changes of HIV blood viral load, immune status and clinical picture. Testing of clinical and laboratory parameters prior to treatment in the Cox hazard model showed that the independent predictor of prolonging the effectiveness of therapy is the lopinavir/ritonavir use. As a side effect of lopinavir/ritonavir developed dyspeptic symptoms. Conclusion: High efficiency and safety of lopinavir/ritonavir allow us to recommend the inclusion of this drug in the selection schemes of antiretroviral therapy in HIV infected children.

Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Children With Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the major cause of mortality in HIV-infected children globally. Current guidelines about the management of antiretroviral therapy in children with TB are based on a limited number of nonrandomized studies involving small numbers of participants. The aim of the study was to systematically retrieve and critically appraise available evidence on the efficacy and safety of different antiretroviral regimens in children with HIV infection who are receiving treatment for active TB. We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Records were retrieved through March 2016 from Medline, Embase and manual screening of key conference proceedings. Four specific research questions assessing available treatment options were defined. Although 4 independent searches were conducted (1 for each Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes question), results were elaborated and interpreted together because of significant overlap among the retrieved records. Six observational studies were selected for qualitative synthesis while meta-analysis could not be performed. Evidence for optimal treatment options for HIV/TB coinfected children is limited. As the global community strives to reach the fast-track HIV treatment targets and eliminate childhood TB deaths, it must ensure that coinfected children are included in key treatment studies and expand this neglected but crucial area of research.

Timing of antiretroviral therapy in children with advanced HIV

Timing of antiretroviral therapy in children with advanced HIV