Clinical presentation of symptomatic human immuno-deficiency virus in children.

Abstract

The predominantly heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Africa suggests that pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) could develop into a significant child health problem in this region. To assist clinicians in recognizing HIV infection in African children, the clinical features of 185 children with symptomatic HIV-related disease diagnosed at the 2 central hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe, from April 1986-July 1987 were enumerated. In this period, 185 such cases were diagnosed. 83 (47%) involved children 0-12 months of age and another 61 (35%) represented children 13-24 months old. The male/female ratio was 1.0:1.03. The most frequently recorded clinical feature (52% of cases) was generalized lymphadenopathy, with or without hepatosplenomegaly. 45% of HIV-infected children presented with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray. Failure to thrive was present in 38% of cases. Also relatively common were hepatomegaly and splenomegaly (35% and 26%, respectively). Chronic, recurrent diarrhea was present in 21%. Less frequently observed (under 10% of cases) clinical findings were maculopapular eczematoid rashes, parotid swelling, chronic suppurative otitis media, chronic mucopurulent rhinitis, meningitis, and encephalopathy. 3 main clinical modes of presentation were identified--children with failure to thrive or marasmus in association with chronic diarrhea and developmental delay, those with generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly, and children who present with chronic cough with pulmonary infiltrates on chest x-ray.