Effect of in utero exposure to HIV and antiretroviral drugs on growth in HIV-exposed uninfected children: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

摘要

IntroductionHIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children have higher morbidity and mortality compared with HIV unexposed uninfected children. Despite the fact that malnutrition contributes to about half of all infant deaths below 5 years of age in low-income and middle-income countries and that growth impairment has been reported in the HEU population, the spectrum of growth disorders associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure during the in utero and perinatal periods is yet to comprehensively summarised among the global HEU population. This protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to critically synthesise data concerning the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting at different ages in the global HEU population.