Abstract
Since 1981, 131 children with HIV infection have been diagnosed at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. 123 cases are perinatally acquired. 55 of these children meet the CDC criteria for diagnosis of AIDS. Only 3 children are clinically asymptomatic.
The number of cases has dramatically increased over the past year, representing 42 cases or 32% of our total population. Screening of family members of infected adults or children have resulted in 15 new cases. Twenty one cases are younger siblings of the infected index child. Twenty four women have delivered 42 subsequent infants between October 1981 and December 1986. 21 (50%) of these infants are infected and account for 17% of our total cases. 50 children have died, with 50% of deaths occurring in the first 12 months of life. Longitudinal investigation of these children reveals that development of Pneumocystis carinil penumonitis, decreasing immunoglobulin G levels and depletion of T4 cells were associated with a poorer prognosis. Children with LIP*alone have a better prognosis than those with opportunistic infection. Mortality is 25% versus 66% (X2=10.45 p .005).
Prevention of pediatric HIV infection will depend on identification of infected women and appropriate education and counselling regarding risk of pregnancy.
* Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis
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Scott, G., Mastrucci, M., Hutto, S. et al. PEDIATRIC HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTIONS: FACTORS INFLUENCING CASE IDENTIFICATION AND PROGNOSIS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 334 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-01000
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-01000