Objective: To study the clinical manifestations and incidence of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS seropositive proven hospitalized children.
Methods: Proven HIV seropositive children aged between 18 months to 12 years, admitted between April 2004 to June 2005 (15 months) to pediatric medical ward, KIMS, Hubli, were enrolled. Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations were recorded in the predesigned proforma. A complete physical examination and laboratory investigations were performed at the time of admission. Children were categorized as per 1994 revised CDC classification of pediatric HIV infection.
Results: Number of HIV seropositive children admitted during study period was 71. Vertical transmission was noted in 94.37%, which is the major route of transmission. The common symptoms noted were persistent fever (70.42%), persistent cough (59.15%), loss of appetite (59.15%), loss of weight (56.33%) and recurrent diarrhea (30.99%). The common signs present were, hepatomegaly (69.04%), skin lesions (59.15%), lymphadenopathy (57.75%) and severe malnutrition (54.93%). The common opportunistic infections observed were tuberculosis (38.03%), recurrent diarrhea (30.99%), oral candidiasis (21.13%) and recurrent bacterial pneumonia (12.68%). Six (8.45%) children died during the study period, which included 4 (5.63%) cases of HIV-encephalopathy.
Conclusion: Vertical transmission was the major route of HIV infection. Persistent fever, cough, loss of appetite and loss of weight were common presenting clinical features. Tuberculosis was the commonest opportunistic infection.