Surgery Outcomes in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children
Author Information
Author(s): Karpelowsky Jonathan S, Millar Alastair JW, van der Graaf Nelleke, van Bogerijen Guido, Zar Heather J
Primary Institution: University of Cape Town, South Africa
Hypothesis
HIV-exposed uninfected children may have higher morbidity and mortality after surgery compared to HIV-unexposed and HIV-infected children.
Conclusion
HIV-exposed uninfected children have a higher risk of complications and mortality after surgery compared to HIV-unexposed children, but a lower risk than HIV-infected children.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-exposed uninfected children had a higher rate of complications compared to HIV-unexposed children.
- The overall mortality was low, with 2 deaths in the HIV-exposed group.
- HIV-exposed children had a longer hospital stay than HIV-unexposed children.
- Complications were more frequent in HIV-exposed children than in HIV-unexposed children.
Takeaway
Kids who are exposed to HIV but not infected may get sicker after surgery than kids who aren't exposed to HIV, but they do better than kids who are infected with HIV.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study of children under 60 months undergoing general surgery, with follow-up for complications, length of stay, and mortality.
Potential Biases
The observational nature of the study may have led to reporting bias.
Limitations
The study had a small number of HIV-exposed children and potential confounding due to their lower age compared to other groups.
Participant Demographics
Children under 60 months of age, with 10.4% HIV-exposed uninfected, 67.1% HIV-unexposed, and 22.5% HIV-infected.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0003
Confidence Interval
RR 3.8 (2.1-7)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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