A study on clinical presentation of children with HIV infection in correlation with CD4 count at art centre Warangal

Abstract

Aim & Objective: To understand the Clinical presentation of HIV and understand the correlation of CD4 count in children less than 14yrs at ART centre Warangal. Methodology: It was Prospective observational study, A total of 103 children were enrolled in to the study who were attending the ART centre Out Patient Department for their medical problems and routine follow up. Children who used to visit ART CENTER WARANGAL for their medical illness, regular follow up, between January 2020 and June 2021 were evaluated. An informed consent was taken from guardians. All children having manifestations of different systems, history taken, subjected to clinical examination findings noted. CD4 counts from previous records collected. Results: In the present study, most of the children attending our center are in between 7 – 12 yrs. Mean age of presentation is 10.859yrs. There is huge difference of distribution from rural to urban. Most common symptoms are fever, cough, not gaining weight, persistent diarrhea. In this study 80.5% (83) of children are symptomatic and 19.4% (20) of children are asymptomatic. Out of 21 asymptomatic children mean CD4 count is 1331.19/cu. and out of 82 symptomatic children mean CD4 count is 649.54/cu.mm. Here p-value is <0.001, which is highly significant. Conclusion: The present study indicates strong correlation of CD4 count with the condition of child (symptomatic/ asymptomatic) which means the asymptomatic children have appropriate CD4 counts for their respective age and symptomatic children have a decline in CD4 counts.