Breastfeeding, HIV status and weights in South African children: a comparison of HIV-exposed and unexposed children

Patel, D., Bland, R., Coovadia, H., Rollins, N., Coutsoudis, A. and Newell, M.L. (2010) Breastfeeding, HIV status and weights in South African children: a comparison of HIV-exposed and unexposed children. AIDS, 24(3), pp. 437-445. (doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3283345f91)

Abstract

<p>Objectives: To examine growth of children by maternal and infant HIV status allowing for infant feeding mode.</p> <p>Design: Women enrolled into a nonrandomized intervention cohort.</p> <p>Methods: Children of HIV-infected and uninfected women weighed and assessed for HIV status, monthly: from birth to 9 months; quarterly: 10-24 months. Daily infant feeding practices recorded at weekly intervals. Weight-for-age z-scores of children born to HIV-infected mothers compared with the reference population of children of HIV-uninfected mothers. Changes in z-scores over age were examined by HIV infection status and infant feeding practice using linear mixed effects models.</p> <p>Results: The 1261 children of HIV-infected mothers grew as well as the reference group of 1061 children of HIV-uninfected mothers, irrespective of feeding mode. z-scores for HIV-infected children were consistently lower than those of HIV-exposed but uninfected children: a difference of 420 g for male children and 405 g for female children at 52 weeks of age. Breastfed HIV-infected infants had consistently higher z-scores for weight, especially during first 6 weeks (difference of 130 g for male children; 110 g for female children). In an adjusted regression analysis, maternal mid-upper arm circumference, CD4 cell count, infant birth weight and HIV status had the biggest impact on infant growth (z-score coefficient: 0.38 for mid-upper arm circumference >= 28.35 vs. <25.7cm; P<0.001; -0.32 for CD4 cell count <200vs. >= 500; P=0.001; -2.01 for birth weight <2500vs. >= 2500g; P<0.001; -0.20 for infected vs. uninfected children; P<0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion: Optimal early feeding practices ameliorate the effect of being born to an HIV-infected mother and strengthen the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for HIV-infected women in terms of long-term child health.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bland, Dr Ruth
• Authors: Patel, D., Bland, R., Coovadia, H., Rollins, N., Coutsoudis, A., and Newell, M.L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: AIDS
• ISSN: 0269-9370