Antiretroviral Therapy in Severely Malnourished, HIV-infected Children in Asia. Issue 5 (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boettiger, David C.; Aurpibul, Linda; Hudaya, Dina Mukiarti; Fong, Siew M; Lumbiganon, Pagakrong; Saphonn, Vonthanak; Truong, Khanh H.; Hansudewechakul, Rawiwan; Nguyen, Lam V.; Do, Viet C.; Bunupuradah, Torsak; Chokephaibulkit, Kulkanya; Nik Yusoff, Nik Khairulddin; Kumarasamy, Nagalingeswaran; Wati, Dewi Kumara; Razali, Kamarul Azahar; Kariminia, Azar
• Is Part Of: Pediatric infectious disease journal. Volume 35:Issue 5(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: severe malnutrition -- antiretroviral therapy -- children -- Asia; Communicable diseases in children -- Periodicals; Infection in children -- Periodicals; 618.929
• DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-3668

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Information on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in HIV-infected children with severe malnutrition (SM) is lacking. We investigated long-term ART outcomes in this population. Methods: Children enrolled in the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database who had SM (weight-for-height or body mass index–for-age Z score less than −3) at ART initiation were analyzed. Generalized estimating equations were used to investigate poor weight recovery (weight-for-age Z score less than −3) and poor CD4% recovery (CD4% <25), and competing risk regression was used to analyze mortality and toxicity-associated treatment modification. Results: Three hundred fifty-five (11.9%) of 2993 children starting ART had SM. Their median weight-for-age Z score increased from −5.6 at ART initiation to −2.3 after 36 months. Not using trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis at baseline was associated with poor weight recovery [odds ratio: 2.49 vs. using; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66–3.74; P < 0.001]. Median CD4% increased from 3.0 at ART initiation to 27.2 after 36 months, and 56 (15.3%) children died during follow-up. More profound SM was associated with poor CD4% recovery (odds ratio: 1.78 for Z score less than −4.5 vs. −3.5 to less than −3.0; 95% CI: 1.08–2.92; P = 0.023) and mortality (hazard ratio: 2.57 for Z score less than −4.5 vs. −3.5 to less than −3.0; 95% CI: 1.24–5.33; P = 0.011). Twenty-two toxicity-associated ART modifications occurred at a rate of 2.4 per 100 patient-years, and rates did not differ by malnutrition severity. Conclusion: Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis is important for the recovery of weight-for-age in severely malnourished children starting ART. The extent of SM does not impede weight-for-age recovery or antiretroviral tolerability, but CD4% response is compromised in children with a very low weight-for-height/body mass index-for-age Z score, which may contribute to their high rate of mortality.