GROWTH IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF UNINFECTED CHILDREN BORN TO HIV-1 SEROPOSITIVE MOTHERS

Objective-To assess the growth curves of uninfected infants born to ty pe 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) seropositive mothers by mean s of standardised anthropometric indices. Methods-The z scores (Nation al Center for Health Statistics-World Health Organisation data) of wei ght for age, length for age, and weight for length of 92 uninfected fu ll term infants born to HIV positive mothers were compared with those of 65 bottle fed full term infants born to healthy mothers at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and (in a subgroup) 24 months of age. Confounders were also recorded. Results-The study population had a lower length f or age z score at birth (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.02, -0.58) a nd higher weight for length z scores at 1 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.63), 2 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.66), and 3 (95% CI: 0.0, 0.48) months compared with the r eference group. After a temporary recovery, the length for age z score difference increased progressively from the 4th month onwards and was significant at 18 (95% CI: -0.31, -1.05) and 24 (95% CI: -0.02, -0.91 ) months. The difference between the length for age z scores at birth was associated with maternal covariates, bur: the between group differ ence at 18 months was apparent even after adjustment for covariates. C onclusion Uninfected infants born to HIV positive mothers have a rapid weight gain immediately after birth. A decrease in length progression during the second year might be a result of the social risk connected with the family environment and an unfavourable programming related t o the maternal HIV status.