Growth of HIV-uninfected children born to HIV-infected mothers in Guangdong, China: an 18-month longitudinal follow-up study

摘要

To evaluate the early growth (weight and length) of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children from the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) program in Guangdong Province, China. A total of 731 HEU children were longitudinally followed up at 7 time points, with anthropometric measurement conducted of weight and length (supine) in the first 18?months. Z scores were calculated, with and without adjustment for gestational age. A total of 708 HEU children were included in the final follow-up cohort, and 105 (14.83%) children completed all 7 follow-up visits. The mean of adjusted weight-for-age Z scores in these children was above zero and showed a decreasing trend in 18?months. The mean of adjusted length-for-age Z scores showed a decreasing trend and was above zero in the first 12?months; this declined to under zero at age 18?months. The proportion of underweight was 0.28–2.19% and that of stunting was 0.71–4.63% at each follow-up month-age. Slower growth in HEU children was associated with no sustained food subside after 6?month, mothers’ hemoglobin content less than 100?g/L during pregnancy, preterm birth, and low birth weight (p??0.05). HEU children could catch up to WHO growth standards in first 18?months in Guangdong; however, growth declined after 12?months, and these children need sustained nutritional support.