Skin Diseases in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected children in the era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: Epidemiological and Clinical Profile in Pediatric Department of Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

Unlike developed countries, most studies in low-income countries have shown an increase in morbidity and mortality, including dermatological manifestations, during the first two years of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) especially during the first 6 months. The causes of this phenomenon are often entangled. The main ones are: Advanced immuno-depression at the time of treatment, SRI, severe malnutrition, difficulties in accessing ARVs and poor adherence or ineffective ARVs [1,3,6].Since the introduction of HAART in developing countries, data on changing the profile of dermatoses in children are almost nonexistent. Therefore in our African context it was appropriate to carry out a study to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile of dermatoses in HIV-infected children, followed in the Pediatrics Department at the University Hospital of Cotonou, Benin. MethodsWe carried out a transversal and descriptive study over 6 months from February to July 2016 in Pediatrics and Medical Genetics Department at the University Hospital of Cotonou (CNHU-C). It covered the group of children aged 6 weeks to 15 years, HIV-infected 9 under or without ART followed since 2002 (year of introduction of ART multi-therapies in the department) as well as the new patients consulted during the period of study. It also included patients whose diagnosis revealed at least one dermatosis. Infants considered HIVinfected were children whose HIV serum was positive after 18 months and those who had a positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) before 18 months.Children were included after written consent from their parents. Data were based on medical records; interrogation and the physical examination were collected using a fact sheet. The variables studied were qualitative and quantitative.