Influence of AIDS antiretroviral therapy on the growth pattern

Abstract

Combined antiretroviral therapy, which is known to play a role in the improvement of viral and immunological markers, may influence in the weight and height development in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus. The earlier the infection diagnosis and, concomitantly, of malnutrition and the start of combined antiretroviral therapy, the lower the growth impairment when compared to healthy children.

Impact of antiretroviral treatment on height evolution of HIV infected children

“…HIV infection in children has been associated with growth delays in terms of weight (wasting and underweight) and height (stunting) [1–9]. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) have been shown to have a positive impact on the evolution of the anthropometric parameters [8–13], but studies have mostly focused on the improvement of the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) [9, 14–18].…”

“…HIV infection in children has been associated with growth delays in terms of weight (wasting and underweight) and height (stunting) [1–9]. Antiretroviral treatments (ART) have been shown to have a positive impact on the evolution of the anthropometric parameters [8–13], but studies have mostly focused on the improvement of the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) [9, 14–18]. Results of the several studies analyzing the effect of ART on height-for-age z-score (HAZ), a better indicator of the general development of children in the long term [19–23] are conflicting, some suggesting a favourable effect [24–27] and others not [28–32].…”

Effect of tuberculosis–HIV co-treatment on clinical and growth outcomes among hospitalized children newly initiating antiretroviral therapy

“…Similarly, CHIV have substantially reduced growth (including wasting or weight loss) [23] as a consequence of reduced energy intake and increased metabolic rates associated with HIV infection and drug side effects [24]. ART restores the growth of CHIV [23,25]. TB-HIV coinfection may synergistically exacerbate children's growth deficits [21].…”

“…Children typically regain weight after 6 months of TB treatment [22]. Similarly, CHIV have substantially reduced growth (including wasting or weight loss) [23] as a consequence of reduced energy intake and increased metabolic rates associated with HIV infection and drug side effects [24]. ART restores the growth of CHIV [23,25].…”