Efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy for childhood acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Objective To investigate the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART) for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) in children.Methods The clinical data of 38 children(2-15 years old) with AIDS from a region of Rwanda and who had received HAART were retrospectively reviewed.Results All of 13 children with anemia showed improved anemia symptoms after HAART.The hemoglobin contents returned to normal levels in 12 children with mild or moderate anemia.CD4 T lymphocytes increased by 24%-1 181% in 5 out of 6 cases with severe immunodeficiency after HAART.During the HAART,the weight gain averaged 2.3 kg yearly.The growth and development in 5 out of 8 children with delayed growth restored the levels of normal children of the same age after HAART.Conclusions HAART can improve the health status in children with AIDS and is effective for childhood AIDS.