Adolescent HIV viral load in an urban hospital in Newark, New Jersey

Abstract Background and objectives Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adolescents is a growing concern. Amid psychosocial challenges, adolescents must successfully transition into adult-centered care; however, little is known about outcome measurements within this period. We assessed the trend in adolescent HIV viral loads (VLs) in a community with a high HIV prevalence, allowing physicians to better recognize the challenges of transitioning adolescents with HIV to adult care. Patients and methods All HIV RNA VLs from the Molecular Virology Lab at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, from 2007 to 2010 were obtained. Patients were divided into pediatric ( 25 years of age) age groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed characteristics of patients by age and gender. Results A minimum of 40 pediatric, 178 adolescent, and 1335 adult patients were identified per year. There was a statistically significant increase in VLs of adolescents when compared to pediatric patients ( P Conclusion Successful transitional care programs should focus on pediatric needs to address the noticeable decrease in virologic control beginning at 8 years of age and the decreased rate of virologic suppression in females, creating concern for potential gender inequalities and increased risk of vertical transmission.