Growth Improvements in HIV-Infected Children After Starting ART in Zambia
Author Information
Author(s): Catherine G Sutcliffe, Janneke H van Dijk, Bornface Munsanje, Francis Hamangaba, Pamela Sinywimaanzi, Philip E Thuma, William J Moss
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Can antiretroviral treatment (ART) reverse growth deficits in HIV-infected children in rural Zambia?
Conclusion
HIV-infected children in rural Zambia showed significant improvements in weight and height after starting ART, but many remained underweight and stunted after two years.
Supporting Evidence
- Children showed improvements in weight-for-age z-scores during the first 6 months of ART.
- Height-for-age z-scores increased consistently over time.
- A high proportion of children were underweight and stunted at treatment initiation.
Takeaway
When kids with HIV in Zambia start taking medicine, they get taller and heavier, but some still need more help to grow properly.
Methodology
The study enrolled 193 HIV-infected children and measured their weight and height every three months after starting ART.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to inconsistent eligibility criteria for food supplementation and missing data.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size beyond two years on ART and lacked data on children's diets and comorbidities.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 3.0 years; 51.3% were male; 58.9% were underweight and 71.9% were stunted at ART initiation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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