Andreas CHIABI1, Marion NKWETTA2, Evelyn MAH1, Lawrence MBUAGBAW2, Juste NIBA2, Marcelin NGOWE2
1Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon; 2Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
CaHReF 2018, Yaoundé Congres hall, 08 – 11 January 2019 , OERF033
Background: Growth failure and HIV/AIDS are global health problems worldwide especially in resource-poor countries where they are endemic. Growth failure occurs in about 50% of HIV-infected children and it has significantly increased mortality and morbidity. However, the advent of ART has improved the health and quality of life.
Objectif: We aimed to assess the growth parameters at initiation of ART, to describe the growth parameters at follow-up and assess the factors associated with growth.
Methodology: In order to attain these objectives, we carried out a hospital-based retrospective longitudinal study over a 2 year period where the files children aged 6weeks to 14 years were assessed. Socio-demographic, clinical, para-clinical and anthropometric measurements were obtained from their medical records. Data were logged-in into Epi Data and analyzed with SPSS version 21 and Epi Info 7.
Results: We evaluated files of 191 children. At initiation of treatment, 41.4% were at least stunted, wasted or underweight (height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) <-2 =36.2%, weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) <-2 = 25.8%, weight-for-age Z-score (WHZ) <-2 =15.2%). The mean WAZ increased from -0.97 to -0.19 and mean WHZ increased from -0.21 to 0.41. The mean HAZ change was the least from -1.34 to-0.83. Age at initiation < 5 years and non-PI based ARV were significant for WAZ gain (p <0.05). Less advanced WHO baseline clinical stage (1 and 2) was associated with HAZ and WAZ gain (p <0.05).
Conclusion/Recommandation: Growth failure is common in HIV-infected children before ARV initiation. The weights of children were more likely to improve and attain the normal values after initiation than the heights. Also, growth should be well followed up and malnutrition appropriately managed. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment in children are critical before irreversible growth failure is attained. We, therefore, recommend screening of all children who come for consultations, routine visits and vaccination.
Key Words: Growth failure, HIV, Antiretroviral therapy, Anthropometric