A study of effect of HIV status and ART on anthropometric characteristics (Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index) among institutionalised children in Western India

Dr. Amit Ahale; Dr. Marcia Waran; Dr. Paras Zunke; Brig Dr. Arun Tyagi

A study of effect of HIV status and ART on anthropometric characteristics (Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index) among institutionalised children in Western India

Authors
Dr. Amit Ahale, Dr. Marcia Waran, Dr. Paras Zunke, Brig Dr. Arun Tyagi

Abstract
Background: Advances in management of HIV-infected infants and children have been remarkable, majority of infected children are now surviving into adolescence. Several studies have shown that growth is often impaired among children with HIV/AIDS. Abnormalities include early deficits in height and weight, and delay in skeletal maturation. The magnitude of delayed growth among HIV infected children in India have not been studied.

Objective: To assess growth among HIV infected children amongst institutionalized children.

Study Design: This was a cross section hospital based study at an NGO, SNEHALAYA, in Ahmednagar (Maharashtra, India), that cares for children of commercial sex workers.

Methodology: Anthropometric measurements of growth of children with HIV/AIDS aged between 1 and 18 years were assessed.

Result: In HIV positive males, the mean weight, height and BMI was found to be 36.6±1.0, 143.2±0.9 and 17.36±1.1 respectively. In HIV positive females, the mean weight, height and BMI was found to be 37.4±0.9, 144.6±0.9 and 17.89±0.7 respectively. Comparison with age and sex matched HIV negative children revealed significant difference in weight for age, height for age and body mass index (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Children infected with HIV and AIDS have significant delay in growth. Considering these findings monitoring of growth cannot be over emphasized in this population and should be part of the routine examination.

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