Prevalence of Underweight, Stunting, and Wasting among Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in South India. (2nd July 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Padmapriyadarsini, C.; Pooranagangadevi, N.; Chandrasekaran, K.; Subramanyan, Sudha; Thiruvalluvan, C.; Bhavani, P. K.; Swaminathan, Soumya
• Other Names: Fok Tai Fai Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of pediatrics. Volume 2009(2009)
• Publication Date: 2009-07-02
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/837627
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9740

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Growth failure is a common feature of children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Malnutrition increases mortality and may impair the response to antiretroviral treatment. Objective . Our objective was to describe the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting in HIV-infected children in south India and to assess the utility of these parameters in predicting immune status. Methodology . In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric measurements and CD4 counts were performed on 231 HIV-infected children.Z scores for height for age, weight for age, and weight for height were correlated with CD4 cell counts and receiver operating characteristic curves plotted. Results . Prevalence of underweight was 63%, stunting 58%, and wasting 16%, respectively. 33–45% of children were moderately or severely malnourished even at CD4 >25%; sensitivity and specificity of stunting or underweight to predict HIV disease severity was low. Conclusions . Undernutrition and stunting are common among HIV-infected children at all stages of the disease in India. Early and aggressive nutritional intervention is required, if long-term outcomes are to be improved.