Investigating the Effects of Standardised Treatment Protocols for Opportunistic Infection in Children Living with HIV/AIDS on Their Clinical Profile

Abstract

Introduction: AIDS has become prevalent all across the world. As in adults, pediatric HIV/AIDS is on rise all over the world. Since 1981, about 25 million individuals have died around the world as a result of HIV. The risk of mother to child transmission of HIV infection varies from country to country and also within a country depending on the facilities available.  

Aims and Objectives: To investigate a standardised treatment protocol for opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS children.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children living with HIV/AIDS at the A.R.T. Centre, government medical college and hospital in Aurangabad from July to December, 2007. One of the primary goals of this project was to develop a standard treatment protocol for the management of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS-infected children. Necessary permission from NACO, MSACS and Parents or Care takers Consent was taken. A total of 280 paediatric patients were enrolled, with 50 of them receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Result: The most frequent OI in the study group was tuberculosis, which was followed by diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. After initiating the Standard Treatment Protocol in Children with HIV/AIDS, there was an overall rise in height, weight, and CD4 count.

Conclusion: After starting the Standard Treatment Protocol in Children with HIV/AIDS, there was a positive response in the form of increased height, weight, and overall increase in CD4 Count, indicating that these standard protocols should be strictly followed for a better prognosis for opportunistic infections in children with HIV/AIDS.