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Pattern of paediatric HIV/AIDS – the Awka experience
Abstract
Background: Paediatric HIV/AIDS has become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in our environment Objectives: The aim is to determine the clinical features on presentation, routes of transmission and outcome of hospital admissions in children with Paediatric HIV/AIDS at Amaku General Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of children with Paediatric HIV/AIDS admitted into the hospital between March 1, 2007 and February 28, 2009 was done. Diagnosis for HIV infection was based on double ELISA and clinical criteria as recommended by WHO. Results: Thirty-nine HIV positive children aged 10weeks to 12years were admitted into the ward, accounting for about 10% of total admissions. There were 22 males and 17 females. Majority of the patients (38.5%) were ≤ 3 years old. Major clinical features were fever (76.9%), diarrhoea (53.8%), weight loss (51.3%) and cough (46.1%). Vertical transmission was the major route accounting for 66.7% and was statistically significant (p< 0.05). Twenty-nine patients (74.3%) were discharged, while mortality rate was 15.4% Conclusion: The finding indicates that Paediatric HIV/AIDS occurs predominantly by vertical route in Amaku General Hospital Awka. We recommend intensification of efforts to implement the existing prevention of mother to child transmission programme.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of children with Paediatric HIV/AIDS admitted into the hospital between March 1, 2007 and February 28, 2009 was done. Diagnosis for HIV infection was based on double ELISA and clinical criteria as recommended by WHO. Results: Thirty-nine HIV positive children aged 10weeks to 12years were admitted into the ward, accounting for about 10% of total admissions. There were 22 males and 17 females. Majority of the patients (38.5%) were ≤ 3 years old. Major clinical features were fever (76.9%), diarrhoea (53.8%), weight loss (51.3%) and cough (46.1%). Vertical transmission was the major route accounting for 66.7% and was statistically significant (p< 0.05). Twenty-nine patients (74.3%) were discharged, while mortality rate was 15.4% Conclusion: The finding indicates that Paediatric HIV/AIDS occurs predominantly by vertical route in Amaku General Hospital Awka. We recommend intensification of efforts to implement the existing prevention of mother to child transmission programme.
