Treatment Outcome of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Private Hospital in Nigeria

Background: The pandemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has reversed many of the health and developmental gains over the past three decades, especially in low income countries. This study assessed the treatment outcome of HIV-infected children after two years on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a private health facility in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective study was employed to review the clinical records of HIV-infected children from January 2004 to December 2014. Data obtained was analysed with Statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Chi-square (χ2) test was used for test of association between the independent variables and the main outcomes of the study, with P value set at 0.05. Results: One hundred and one children were initiated on HAART within the period. The mean age of the patients was 8.5±3.0 years. Majority (43.6%) of those initiated on HAART had World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage 2 disease while 63.4% were on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Ten (9.9%) were lost to follow up, 4.0% were transferred to a tertiary health facility while 2.0% died. Overall patients with baseline CD4 count of >350 cell/mm3 and those with WHO stages 1 and 2 disease had higher rates of survival after two years on HAART. Conclusion: With prompt access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART0 majority of HIV-1 infected children diagnosed early can now reach adulthood.