Suboptimal Viral Suppression Rates among HIV-Infected Children in Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background. The 90-90-90 goal to achieve viral suppression in 90% of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is especially challenging in children. Global estimates of viral suppression among children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking. Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies and analyzed viral suppression rates among children started on ART during 3 time periods: early (2000–2005), intermediate (2006–2009), and current (2010 and later), using random effects meta-analysis. Results. Seventy-two studies, reporting on 51 347 children (aged <18 years), were included. After 12 months on first-line ART, viral suppression was achieved by 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.5–71.8) in the early, 74.2% (95% CI, 70.2–78.2) in the intermediate, and 72.7% (95% 62.6–82.8) in the current time period. Rates were similar after 6 and 24 months of ART. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, 42.7% (95% CI, 33.7–51.7) in the early, 45.7% (95% CI, 33.2–58.3) in the intermediate, and 62.5% (95% CI, 53.3–72.6) in the current period were suppressed. Long-term follow-up data were scarce. Conclusions. Viral suppression rates among children on ART in LMICs were low and considerably poorer than those previously found in adults in LMICs and children in high-income countries. Little progress has been made in improving viral suppression rates over the past years. Without increased efforts to improve pediatric HIV treatment, the 90-90-90 goal for children in LMIC will not be reached.