No abstract

Objectives: To evaluate HAART-associated changes in growth and hospitalization rates over time in a cohort of HIV-infected children. Methods:Children starting HAART were assessed during the first 3 years of therapy. Clinical response was assessed every 24 weeks by Z scores of weight-for-age and height-for-age. Linear regression models were used to detect predictors of clinical response. Pertinent information on hospitalizations was obtained retrospectively through review of medical records.Results: A total of 196 children were assessed. Mean weight Z scores increased from -1.62 (±1.32) at baseline to -1.14 (±1.12) by week 24. Mean height z score increased from -1.88 (±1.45) at baseline to -1.66 (±1.18). Better Z scores at baseline were associated with greater increase of weight Z scores over time. Lower viral load and higher height Z scores at baseline were also associated with improved height catch-up. Eighty-five children (43.3%) were hospitalized. Most hospitalizations were prompted by infectious disease, with only two due to opportunistic infections. Conclusion:HAART was associated with significant increases in weight and height Z scores. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of HAART in significantly reducing hospitalization, death, and incidence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children. Starting HAART before HIV infection can have more detrimental effects on growth and is associated with better outcomes among infected children. No conflicts of interest declared concerning the publication of this article. 132 Jornal de Pediatria -Vol. 87, No. 2, 2011 Impact of HAART on growth and hospitalization in children -Diniz LM et al.

Although allogeneic PBSC transplant results in a faster hematopoietic engraftment, there was an increase in acute GVHD. There was no clear benefit in relapse rate and no evidence that transplantation with PBSC benefits patient survival in our institution.

No abstract

No abstract