The prevalence and determinants of short stature in HIV-infected children

Joel, D. R., Mabikwa, V., Makhanda, J., Tolle, M. A., Anabwani, G. M. and Ahmed, S. F. (2014) The prevalence and determinants of short stature in HIV-infected children. Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 13(6), pp. 529-533. (doi: 10.1177/2325957414531621) (PMID:24752886)

Abstract

Background: Children with HIV infection are often reported to be short. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV-associated short stature in HIV endemic setting. Methods: Data were obtained by retrospective review of the electronic medical records. Patients were grouped into various clinical categories. For each category, the proportion of patients with height-for-age Z score of less than −2 standard deviation [SD] and of less than −3 SD was determined. Results: The prevalence of short stature (less than −2 SD) was 28.4%. Severe short stature (less than −3 SD) is more likely with percentage of CD4 <15% (odds ratio [OR]: 3.30, confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-7.09, P = .002) and with males (OR: 1.49, CI: 1.19-1.87, P = .001). Severe short stature is more likely with viral load >400 copies/mL (OR 2.64, CI 1.27-5.38, P = .008) and poor adherence (<95%; OR 1.72, CI 1.03-2.05, P = .037). Conclusion: In Botswana, short stature affects a quarter of HIV-infected children and severe short stature is associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment, severe immunosuppression, and virologic failure.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ahmed, Professor Syed Faisal
• Authors: Joel, D. R., Mabikwa, V., Makhanda, J., Tolle, M. A., Anabwani, G. M., and Ahmed, S. F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 2325-9574
• ISSN (Online): 2325-9582
• Published Online: 21 April 2014