Evaluation of parent-child pairs on antiretroviral therapy in separate adult and pediatric clinics

Abstract

In Africa, HIV infection is considered a family disease. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to describe the characteristics and outcome in 35 parent-child pairs taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in separate adult and pediatric HIV clinics. In 26 pairs, ART was first initiated in children. Baseline median CD4 count was 122/mm3 in adults and 376/mm3 in children. World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 disease affected 49% of adults and 83% of children. In all, 3 parents and 1 child died. Hospitalization, poor adherence, missed appointments, or regimen change affected >50% of pairs on ART. Following tuberculosis diagnosis in their parents, 2 of the 5 children were not investigated. By week 104, 29 (83%) pairs remained on ART, and 69% of patients on ART were virologically suppressed. Parent-child pairs with advanced HIV infection had good outcomes when cared for in separate clinics. Establishing lines of communication between clinics is important. Family-centered services may provide more integrated care.