Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Admissions and Outcome at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria.
Oyedeji Olusola Adetunji, Olaitan Virtue Tomisona, Ayinde Joseph Babafunso, Onah Samson Chidiebere, Ogra Wandoo Stephanie, Adepoju Adedoyin Beatrice, Olushola-Adokayi Olubukola Oluwayemisi, Obiajunwa Perpetua Okwuchi
Annals of African medicine · 2025-11
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The burden, profile, and outcomes of pediatric HIV have not been exhaustively studied in developing countries. The present study hopes to fill some of the research gaps.
AIM: This study aimed to document the burden and profile of pediatric HIV admission at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa. Nigeria, with emphasis on highlighting peculiarities in our setting.
METHODS: A retrospective study of case records of all HIV infected children admitted and managed on the pediatric infectious ward over 15 years. The data generated from the records were analyzed, and inferences were made.
RESULTS: The total 35 children population studied consisted of 18 (51.4%) boys and 17 (48.6%) girls with a mean age of 4.04 ± 3.73. Transmission of HIV was vertical in all, whereas diagnosis of HIV infection was made during admission in 31 (88.6%). Tuberculosis, community-acquired pneumonia, severe malaria, Pneumocystis jeroveci pneumonia, and sepsis accounted for more than 70% of admissions. Severe malaria was more common in the above 5 years age group. Candida and scabies were the most common coinfections and infestations, respectively. More than 50% of admissions were complicated by anemia and hypoxemia. A total of six deaths, accounting for 8.6% of the total HIV infected enrolled patients, were recorded. Hypoxemia and AIDS states were significantly associated with death (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Childhood HIV infections are a significant contributor to pediatric infectious morbidity, with high HIV case mortality rates. Vertical HIV transmission rates and age at detection of HIV in this series are high and need to be reversed urgently.