Neurodevelopment and growth of institutionalized children with vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus

摘要

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in millions of children being infected with the virus and/or orphaned as a consequence of the virus. This is compounded by the fact that this area also has a high incidence of poverty, limited basic resources and malnutrition. Because HIV is both neurotrophic and lymphotrophic, infected children are at risk of developmental delays and growth impairments. Limited height-for-age (stunting) is a commonly reported finding. The objective of this study was to compare the neurodevelopment and anthropometric measurements of vertically infected HIV children not on antiretroviral treatment and HIV-uninfected children, as well as changes within the groups over 6-8 months. A comparative longitudinal study was conducted of 16 HIV-infected and 24 HIV-uninfected children between the ages of 16 and 42 months. The study sample was derived from two institutions in Gauteng, South Africa. Bayley Scales of Infant Development II were used to evaluate the children's mental and motor development. Growth was assessed using mean Z-scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and head circumference-for-age. Evaluations were carried out at two time-points, 6-8 months apart. The results showed that HIV-infected children scored significantly lower than HIV-uninfected children at both time-points in neurodevelopment (mental developmental index p < 0.02 and p < 0.00; psychomotor developmental index p < 0.00 and p < 0.00) and also in anthropometric measurements (weight p < 0.00 and p < 0.01; height p < 0.00 and p < 0.00; head circumference p < 0.00 and p < 0.07). It is concluded that HIV affects the neurodevelopment (both mental and motor) and growth of HIV-infected children, particularly height-for-age.View full textDownload full textKeywordsanthropometry, HIV/AIDS, institution, orphansRelated var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true,"ui_click":true}; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17450120903311582