Background: Growth retardation and anemia are manifestations of pediatric HIV infection and are independent risk factors for death among infected children. We sought to describe nutritional status, anemia burden and HIV disease correlates among infected children in India.Methods: We analyzed retrospective data from 248 HIVinfected children aged 1-12 years attending four outpatient clinics in South India (2004)(2005)(2006). Standard WHO definitions were used for anemia, HIV staging and growth parameters. A subsection of children with prospective haemoglobin assessments were also included in the analysis. Statistical analysis included chi square, t test, and univariate analyses Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 62.5%, and 8.1% had severe anemia (Hb < 7 gm/dl). The proportion of underweight and stunted children in the population was 55.3% and 46.2% respectively. Poor growth (WAZ, HAZ < -2) was significantly associated with anemia and advanced HIV disease status (p < 0.005). Risk factors for anemia included advanced HIV stage (OR = 5.2; CI 2.9-11.2; p < 0.005) and severe immunodeficiency (OR = 4.5; CI 2.01-10.0; p < 0.005). Anemia was independently associated with pulmonary tuberculosis; hemoglobin in those with and without tuberculosis was 8.9 and 10.2 g/dl respectively (p < 0.005). Anemia was not significantly associated with age, gender, multivitamins, cotrimoxazole, presence of ART, or ART type (zidovudine versus stavudine). Among 45 anemic children with available prospective data who received at least 6 months of ART along with nutritional supplements, subsequent mean hemoglobin improved significantly by 1.5 gm/dl (CI 0.8-2.3, p < 0.005)Conclusions: The high prevalence and strong interrelationship of growth retardation and anemia among HIV-infected children in India underscores the need for incorporating targeted nutritional interventions during national scale up of care, support and treatment among children.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract