A third pattern of disease progression in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Article Abstract:

A recent article by Blanche and coworkers, appearing in the American Journal of Diseases of Children in 1990, suggested that symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children tend to follow two different patterns, so that two peaks of disease are apparent when all children with the disease are considered. However, there may also be a third pattern in which HIV infection is manifested very early in children's lives, but lessens over the next 5 to 10 years, even without antiviral therapy. The cases of three HIV-infected children, born to drug-abusing mothers, are described to illustrate the third pattern. The children were frequently hospitalized during their first 13 months for problems ranging from diarrhea, pneumonia, liver enlargement, and meningitis, to developmental delay. Opportunistic infections were not always evident. Two of the children, aged 5 years and 10 years, currently have pneumonia or pneumonitis, but are otherwise well; one of the children is developmentally normal. The cases illustrate the difficulty of identifying which infants with HIV infection will develop a rapidly progressive form of disease while they are young. Early detection of opportunistic infection in children under one year of age may be important. A reply by Blanche and coworkers follows, agreeing with this report and supporting the need for better ways to evaluate the prognosis of HIV-infected children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Development and progression, Prognosis

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Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a progress report

Article Abstract:

Comprehensive health care is essential to meet the needs of HIV-infected children and their families. Over 4,000 cases of AIDS among children and over 1,000 cases among adolescents have been reported. Another 9,000 cases of AIDS have been identified among adults aged 20 to 24 who acquired HIV as teenagers. Most adolescents are infected with HIV through sexual contact, especially heterosexual contact, and injection drug use. Although most teenagers understand how HIV infection can be prevented, they continue to have high-risk sexual intercourse. Only 46% of sexually active teenagers who use contraceptives use condoms. Most children infected with HIV acquired the virus from their infected mothers. There have been significant developments in the treatment of HIV infection, and some progress has been made in providing comprehensive care for affected families. Twenty-four demonstration models have been set up in 22 cities to provide social services, nutritional support, child care and drug treatment, but more of these programs are needed.

Sexual behavior, Prevention, Teenagers, Teenage sexual behavior

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