Vertically transmitted HIV-1 infection in children. A report of 23 cases.
Twenty-three children with vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection were seen at Baragwanath Hospital between May 1989 and April 1990. There was a marked increase in the number of cases in 1990. Infected children presented at a median age of 6 months; most commonly with lymphadenopathy, failure to thrive and respiratory complications. Serious bacterial infections occurred in 39%. Reversed helper T- to suppressor T-cell ratios were present in all but 1 of 16 children tested and hypergammaglobulinaemia and anaemia (usually normocytic) were frequently present. Some of the children have already died and the outlook for the others is bleak. With the increase of HIV infection in the heterosexual population, increasing numbers of infected children can be expected.
Friedland
I R
IR
Department of Paediatrics, Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg.
Snipelisky
M
M
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology