Growth and development status in the first two years of uninfected children born from HIV positive mothers

Abstract

Recently prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child by antiretroviral regimens has resulted in growing the numbers of HIV exposed but uninfected children (HIV-EU). The aim of present study was evaluation of growth and neurodevelopment status among less than 2-year-old HIV exposed uninfected children. A cohort study was carried out at Vali-e-Asr Hospital (Tehran-Iran). Thirty-nine HIV-EU neonates were recruited (2014 to 2016). Neonates and infants with concern to growth and neurodevelopment status were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by an expert physician. Neurodevelopment assessment was based on WHO Milestones Chart and Age and Stage Questionnaire. Of all children, 22 were male, and 17 were female. Regarding growth indices, although mean birth weight in half of the neonates was lower than normal population; no postnatal descending trend was observed in their growth chart. No significant differences were found between two groups' height and head circumference. Among the neurodevelopmental parameters measured, in 6th months of life, 2 cases had abnormality in the gross motor while at 12 months, 6 cases had delay in language, social problem, and motor disorders. At 18 and 24 months, 7 infants showed developmental problems of which 71.4 of their mothers were younger than others (age<25 years, P=0.009). Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders including delay in language, motor, and social domains was common among HIV-EU children. As several environmental factors may involve the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, nearly-full postnatal control and prevention seem necessary. © 2018 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved