Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objective
To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of HIV-infected children that have care interruptions, during which the child's health status and use of medication is unknown.Design
We included data on children initiating ART between 2004 and 2016 at less than 16 years old at 16 International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS Southern Africa cohorts. Children were classified as loss to follow up (LTFU) if they had not attended clinic for more than 180 days. Children had a care interruption if they were classified as LTFU, and subsequently returned to care. Children who died within 180 days of ART start were excluded.Methods
The main outcome was all cause mortality. Two exposed groups were considered: those with a first care interruption within the first 6 months on ART, and those with a first care interruption after 6 months on ART. Adjusted hazard ratios were determined using a Cox regression model.Results
Among 53 674 children included, 23 437 (44%) had a care interruption, of which 10 629 (20%) had a first care interruption within 6 months on ART and 12 808 (24%) had a first care interruption after 6 months on ART. Increased mortality was associated with a care interruption within 6 months on ART [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.52, 95% CI 1.12-2.04] but not with a care interruption after 6 months on ART (AHR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.77-1.44).Conclusion
The findings suggest that strengthening retention of children in care in the early period after ART initiation is critical to improving paediatric ART outcomes.
SUBMITTER: Davies C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10002475 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Davies Claire C Johnson Leigh L Sawry Shobna S Chimbetete Cleophas C Eley Brian B Vinikoor Michael M Technau Karl-Günter KG Ehmer Jochen J Rabie Helena H Phiri Sam S Tanser Frank F Malisita Kennedy K Fatti Geoffrey G Osler Meg M Wood Robin R Newton Sam S Haas Andreas A Davies Mary-Ann MA
AIDS (London, England) 20220401 5
<h4>Objective</h4>To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of HIV-infected children that have care interruptions, during which the child's health status and use of medication is unknown.<h4>Design</h4>We included data on children initiating ART between 2004 and 2016 at less than 16 years old at 16 International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS Southern Africa cohorts. Children were classified as loss to follow up (LTFU) if they had not attended clinic for more than 180 days. Children ...[more]