title: Effect of antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The appropriate timing of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy initiation in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been uncertain. There was evidence of poorer outcome in adults who initiated treatment at lower baseline CD4 cell count. However, early initiation may not be possible in resource-limited setting and would increased risk of long term side effects and non-adherence.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To elucidate the outcome of HIV-infected children who ARV treatment was initiated at different disease stages.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from medical records of HIV-infected children who had been followed at Infectious Disease Division, Department of Pediatric Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical response and outcome data were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From September 1996 to March 2004, there were 200 patients with a median age at treatment initiation of 38 (2-175) months. The median duration of follow up period was 26 (1-91) months. The median baseline CD4 cell count was 545 (2-5016) cells/mm3. The median baseline CD4 percentage was 14.25 (0.11-60). Monotherapy or dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimens were initiated in 134 (67%), and HAARTwas initiated in 66 (33%) patients. The survival rate in patients who initiated with HAART tended to be better than those initiated with dual NRTI regimens but salvaged appropriately (p=0.2377). The survival rate in those initiated treatment at baseline CD4 > or = 15% was better than those initiated at baseline CD4 < 15% (p=0.0471).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Initiation of ARV treatment at CD4 more than 15% resulted in a better survival rate than at CD4 below 15%. Initiation with HAART regimen tended to improve survival and resulted in higher CD4 gain especially in cases with baseline CD4< 15%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. pimpanada@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Pimpanada
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chearskul
authors.forename: Kulkanya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chokephaibulkit
authors.forename: Sanay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chearskul
authors.forename: Wanatpreeya
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Phongsamart
authors.forename: Nottasorn
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Plipat
authors.forename: Keswadee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lapphra
authors.forename: Nirun
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vanprapar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents