Cervical, anal and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in young women: A case control study between women with perinatally HIV infection and women with non-perinatally HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES: HPV infection may differ in women who are HIV-positive since birth (perinatally infected, P-HIV) and those who acquire HIV later in life (non-perinatally infected, NP-HIV). We assessed the HPV prevalence in relation to the HIV acquisition route and HPV vaccination status. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study comparing 22 P-HIV with 22 NP-HIV patients. Cervical, anal and oral specimen were collected for HPV PCRs. The primary outcome was the prevalence of cervical, oral and anal HPV in P-HIV and NP-HIV patients. The secondary outcome was to identify risk factors for HPV infection. Comparative statistics for two independent groups, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: There were no differences between perinatally and non-perinatally infected women. Cervical dysplasia was found in 12/44 (27 %) patients and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) in 30 % of cervical (of which 89 % were hrHPV other than 16 and 18), in 3 % of oral and 65 % of anal specimens. All woman were using combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and 64 % had HIVRNA < 20 cp/ml. A CD4 count <350/mm³ was associated with cytological abnormalities (OR: 13.52, p = 0.002) and with cervical HPV (OR: 6.11; p = 0.04); anal HPV was associated with a previous cervical dysplasia and concomitant cervical HPV infection. None of thirteen vaccinated patients had a 6/11/16/18 HPV infection. CONCLUSION: In this small series of women under cART, we did not observe a difference in HPV infection in relation to the route of HIV acquisition. The high prevalence of hrHPV other than 16 and 18 support the use of a 9-valent vaccine.

Follow up of HIV perinatal exposure and accomplishment of strategies to reduce the risk of viral transmission, experience in a reference hospital in Medellín / Calidad del seguimiento a la exposición perinatal al HIV y observancia de las estrategias reconocidas para disminuir su transmisión en un centro de referencia de Medellín

Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential to limit the spread of the disease. Colombian data about HIV infection in pregnancy are scarce, as well as on the results of the strategies used worldwide to reduce perinatal transmission. Objective: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women infected with HIV and their children in a reference center in Medellín. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study for the 2012-2015 period by studying the clinical records of newborns exposed to HIV and their mothers. We evaluated the characteristics of prenatal care, deliveries, and infant postnatal care, as well as the follow-up data to confirm or exclude HIV transmission. Results: We included 106 infants and their mothers. We found that 39,6% of mothers knew about the HIV diagnosis before pregnancy and 58,5% were diagnosed during pregnancy; 95.3% of them attended prenatal controls, but only 46.5% as of the first trimester; 95% of them received antiretrovirals, but 23.9% started therapy just during the third trimester. Only 63% of women had a viral load for HIV after 34 weeks of gestation. None of the 103 children with follow up had confirmed presence for HIV and in 88% of them, it was discarded. Conclusions: No cases of perinatal HIV transmission were found in the study. However, difficulties and delays persist in prenatal care, in timely maternal follow-up to confirm or discard HIV, and for early detection of maternal co-infections and their effects on newborns.

Introducción. La prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV) es una estrategia fundamental para evitar la infección en niños. A nivel local, se desconoce la situación de las mujeres gestantes infectadas por HIV y el grado de observancia de las estrategias reconocidas mundialmente para disminuir la transmisión perinatal. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus hijos en un centro de referencia de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre 2012 y 2015 mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus neonatos habidos en partos atendidos en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación. Se describieron las variables de atención prenatal, parto, recién nacido y seguimiento de los neonatos. Resultados. Se analizaron 106 madres y sus hijos expuestos al HIV. El 39,6 % de las mujeres gestantes conocía el diagnóstico antes del embarazo y al 58,5 % se le diagnosticó durante este. El 95,3 % de las mujeres gestantes asistió a control prenatal, 46,5 % de ellas a partir del primer trimestre. Si bien el 95 % recibió antirretrovirales, el 23,9 % comenzó a tomarlos tardíamente en el tercer trimestre. Solo el 63 % de las mujeres registró carga viral para el HIV después de la semana 34 de gestación. El 90,6 % de los partos fueron por cesárea, y el virus del papiloma humano y la sífilis fueron las principales infecciones concomitantes. Se hizo seguimiento de 103 niños (no fue posible localizar a tres de ellos para el seguimiento), a ninguno se le confirmó la presencia del HIV y, en el 88 %, se descartó. Conclusiones. En este estudio, no se registraron casos de transmisión perinatal. Sin embargo, siguen presentándose fallas y retrasos en la atención prenatal y en la oportunidad del seguimiento materno para confirmar oportunamente el HIV y para detectar tempranamente infecciones maternas concomitantes que eviten la morbilidad y las secuelas en los neonatos.

Calidad del seguimiento a la exposición perinatal al HIV y observancia de las estrategias reconocidas para disminuir su transmisión en un centro de referencia de Medellín / Follow up of HIV perinatal exposure and accomplishment of strategies to reduce the risk of viral transmission, experience in a reference hospital in Medellín

Resumen Introducción. La prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV) es una estrategia fundamental para evitar la infección en niños. A nivel local, se desconoce la situación de las mujeres gestantes infectadas por HIV y el grado de observancia de las estrategias reconocidas mundialmente para disminuir la transmisión perinatal. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus hijos en un centro de referencia de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre 2012 y 2015 mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus neonatos habidos en partos atendidos en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación. Se describieron las variables de atención prenatal, parto, recién nacido y seguimiento de los neonatos. Resultados. Se analizaron 106 madres y sus hijos expuestos al HIV. El 39,6 % de las mujeres gestantes conocía el diagnóstico antes del embarazo y al 58,5 % se le diagnosticó durante este. El 95,3 % de las mujeres gestantes asistió a control prenatal, 46,5 % de ellas a partir del primer trimestre. Si bien el 95 % recibió antirretrovirales, el 23,9 % comenzó a tomarlos tardíamente en el tercer trimestre. Solo el 63 % de las mujeres registró carga viral para el HIV después de la semana 34 de gestación. El 90,6 % de los partos fueron por cesárea, y el virus del papiloma humano y la sífilis fueron las principales infecciones concomitantes. Se hizo seguimiento de 103 niños (no fue posible localizar a tres de ellos para el seguimiento), a ninguno se le confirmó la presencia del HIV y, en el 88 %, se descartó. Conclusiones. En este estudio, no se registraron casos de transmisión perinatal. Sin embargo, siguen presentándose fallas y retrasos en la atención prenatal y en la oportunidad del seguimiento materno para confirmar oportunamente el HIV y para detectar tempranamente infecciones maternas concomitantes que eviten la morbilidad y las secuelas en los neonatos.

Abstract Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential to limit the spread of the disease. Colombian data about HIV infection in pregnancy are scarce, as well as on the results of the strategies used worldwide to reduce perinatal transmission. Objective: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women infected with HIV and their children in a reference center in Medellín. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study for the 2012- 2015 period by studying the clinical records of newborns exposed to HIV and their mothers. We evaluated the characteristics of prenatal care, deliveries, and infant postnatal care, as well as the follow-up data to confirm or exclude HIV transmission. Results: We included 106 infants and their mothers. We found that 39,6% of mothers knew about the HIV diagnosis before pregnancy and 58,5% were diagnosed during pregnancy; 95.3% of them attended prenatal controls, but only 46.5% as of the first trimester; 95% of them received antiretrovirals, but 23.9% started therapy just during the third trimester. Only 63% of women had a viral load for HIV after 34 weeks of gestation. None of the 103 children with follow up had confirmed presence for HIV and in 88% of them, it was discarded. Conclusions: No cases of perinatal HIV transmission were found in the study. However, difficulties and delays persist in prenatal care, in timely maternal follow-up to confirm or discard HIV, and for early detection of maternal co-infections and their effects on newborns.

Congenital HIV: Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is caused by a cytopathic lentivirus. HIV without adequate treatment during pregnancy can result in maternal to child transmission (MCT) of the virus. Sequelae can include severe lifelong morbidities, shorter life expectancies, and high mortality rates without antiretroviral therapy. PURPOSE: To discuss epidemiological trends, pathophysiology, and clinical care guidelines including those for diagnosis, treatment, and management of MCT of HIV in the United States. To emphasize the importance of prompt identification, prophylaxis, and treatment of at-risk infants. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were used to search key words-maternal to child transmission, HIV, HIV in pregnancy, and neonatal HIV-for articles that were relevant and current. The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF were also utilized for up-to-date information on the topic. FINDINGS: Timely identification, intervention, and treatment are necessary to prevent MCT of HIV. Membrane rupture duration is not associated with higher transmission rates with adequate viral suppression. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: An evidence-based maternal/neonatal collaborative approach to care for the prevention and management of MCT of HIV including adherence to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) should be emphasized. Early testing, prophylaxis, and treatment for neonates at risk, as well as education on current clinical care guidelines for caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Pregnancy complications of cART. MCT rates in conjunction with birthing practices and restrictions among women living with HIV with low to undetectable viral loads.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor involving the spine of an HIV-infected patient: Case report and review of the literature.

Within the last two decades, there have been multiple reports of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumors in immunocompromised patients. This includes HIV-infected patients, post-transplant patients, and patients with congenital defects of their immune systems. Here we report the case of a 24-year-old African American female with congenital HIV presenting with progressive lower extremity weakness, constipation, aching pain in her shoulders, and subcostal anesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large circumferential lesion extending from T1-T3 and a smaller left paraspinal lesion at C6-C7. The T1-T3 mass was excised via a right-sided costotransversectomy with laminectomy and fusion from T1-T3. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was started postoperatively, and adjuvant radiotherapy was initiated but patient was lost to follow-up. Surgical pathology demonstrated a smooth muscle tumor diffuse nuclear positivity for EBV-encoded small RNA 1 by in situ hybridization. Although eight studies have reported HIV patients with EBV-associated smooth muscle tumors of the spine, to the author's knowledge, this is the first review comprised solely of patients with spinal involvement with the addition of our patient case.

Moyamoya syndrome in a pediatric patient with congenital human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection resulting in intracranial hemorrhage.

In the era of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in which human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection affected children can expect a better prognosis, the importance of careful follow up of pediatric HIV-1 cases for neurological complications has been growing. We present a case of hemorrhagic Moyamoya syndrome in a child with congenital HIV-1 infection. A 10-year-old girl was referred to our hospital for the treatment of Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP: Pneumocystis pneumonia). Her HIV-1 control was poor and Moyamoya syndrome was found during the opportunistic infection screening at admission. Despite subsequent successful treatment of PCP and HIV-1 infection, we could not save her life due to the intracranial hemorrhage caused by Moyamoya syndrome. A few reported cases of Moyamoya syndrome associated with HIV-1 infection have shown negative outcomes when the control of HIV-1 infection is unsuccessful. Recently "HIV-associated vasculopathy" has been used to describe the cerebrovascular disorder related to HIV-1 infection that is caused by the endothelial dysfunction induced from chronic inflammation and cytokine imbalances due to HIV-1 infection. We assumed that "HIV-associated vasculopathy" may have contributed to the development of collateral vessels impairment related to the bleeding, although the mechanism of vascular damage with HIV-1 infection is not yet well defined. Therefore proper management of the HIV-1 infection is crucial for Moyamoya syndrome with HIV-1 cases. Furthermore it is better to take into account the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage when considering the indication and timing of the revascularization surgery, although generally hemorrhaging is rare in Moyamoya disease in children.

[Use of dried blood spots in early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in children born to HIV-infected mothers as part of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Benin]. / Utilisation des prélèvements capillaires sur buvard dans le diagnostic précoce de l'infection à VIH-1 chez des enfants nés de mères infectées dans le cadre de la prévention de la transmission mère-enfant au Bénin.

The goal of this study was to evaluate using the molecular diagnosis, infection transmission rate of HIV in children born to HIV-1 positive mothers as part of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Benin. The sample consisted of 524 dried blood spots (DBS) of children born to HIV-1 positive mothers, from 30 sites (PMTCT) taken between October 2009 and June 2010. The diagnosis of HIV-1 was performed by the qualitative detection of viral nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) in DBS on filter paper using the Abbott RealTime(®) HIV-1 Qualitative assay. We found that 51 DBS were positive (9.7%) and 473 were negative (90.3%). The failure rate of PMTCT among 420 mothers who received antiretroviral prophylaxis was 6.7% (28/420). This failure rate was significantly higher among children born to infected mothers on antiretroviral monotherapy than on triple therapy (HAART). The results of our study enrich the data in the literature on highly active antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis to reduce the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to child.

Cardiovascular biomarkers in vertically HIV-infected children without metabolic abnormalities.

Early cardiovascular disease is a major concern for ART-suppressed vertically HIV-infected children; however, evidence is lacking regarding specific preventive measures. In this study, a complete panel of biomarkers was determined together with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), in a cohort of 64 HIV-infected children and 30 controls. Mean age of participants was 14.1±5 years. HIV-infected patients showed normal lipid profile, with only slightly higher triglycerides, and no differences between groups were found regarding IMT. HIV-infected patients displayed higher levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM) (all p<0.05). However, levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, P-selectin and tissue plasminogen activator were similar between groups. Vertically HIV-infected subjects on ART with no significant metabolic disturbances displayed increased sCD14 and sVCAM but not up-regulation of proinflammatory pathways. Larger studies are warranted to assess the impact of a strict metabolic control on cardiovascular risk and to define specific cardiovascular disease preventive strategies in this population.

Perinatally acquired HIV infection in adolescents from sub-Saharan Africa: a review of emerging challenges.

Worldwide, more than three million children are infected with HIV, 90% of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. As the HIV epidemic matures and antiretroviral treatment is scaled up, children with HIV are reaching adolescence in large numbers. The growing population of adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV infection living within this region presents not only unprecedented challenges but also opportunities to learn about the pathogenesis of HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the changing epidemiology of paediatric HIV and the particular features of HIV infection in adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Longstanding HIV infection acquired when the immune system is not developed results in distinctive chronic clinical complications that cause severe morbidity. As well as dealing with chronic illness, HIV-infected adolescents have to confront psychosocial issues, maintain adherence to drugs, and learn to negotiate sexual relationships, while undergoing rapid physical and psychological development. Context-specific strategies for early identification of HIV infection in children and prompt linkage to care need to be developed. Clinical HIV care should integrate age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health and psychological, educational, and social services. Health-care workers will need to be trained to recognise and manage the needs of these young people so that the increasing numbers of children surviving to adolescence can access quality care beyond specialist services at low-level health-care facilities.

Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit annual report, 2013.

This report provides an update on the surveillance conducted by the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) during the period January to December 2013. The APSU facilitates national active surveillance of uncommon diseases of childhood including selected communicable diseases. This report includes data on the following conditions: acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), congenital rubella, perinatal exposure to HIV and paediatric HIV infection, neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV), congenital varicella, neonatal varicella, severe complications of varicella and juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP). Surveillance of severe complications of influenza was undertaken during the influenza season (July to September 2013).

Demandas de cuidado domiciliar da criança nascida exposta ao HIV na ótica da teoria ambientalista / Demandas de cuidados en casa del niño nacido expuesto al VIH en la óptica de la teoría ambientalista / Demands of home care of children born exposed to HIV in the perspective of the environmental theory

Objetivou-se identificar as demandas de cuidado domiciliar da criança nascida exposta ao HIV, sob a perspectiva da teoria ambientalista. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo exploratório-descritivo realizado de janeiro a abril de 2011. Participaram dez mães infectadas pelo HIV, com crianças nascidas expostas ao vírus, em Fortaleza, Ceará. Constituíram-se como instrumentos de coleta de dados: câmera fotográfica descartável e digital e formulários para captação de informações em saúde associadas ao ambiente domiciliar. Os resultados foram contextualizados de acordo com a teoria e organizados em categorias: "vulnerabilidades associadas à estrutura física da moradia"; "ar intradomiciliar e peridomiciliar impuro"; "água utilizada para consumo"; "rede de esgoto e saneamento"; "iluminação e ventilação da residência". Conclui-se que o ambiente domiciliar oferece condições ambientais desfavoráveis para a criança. Urge a realização de intervenções focalizadas no ambiente domiciliar, para promover a saúde da criança nascida exposta ao HIV.

Se objetivó identificar las demandas de atención en el hogar de los niños nacidos expuestos al VIH en la perspectiva de la teoría ambientalista. Estudio cualitativo exploratorio-descriptivo realizado entre enero y abril de 2011. Participaron diez madres VIH-positivas con bebés expuestos al virus, en Fortaleza, Ceará. Fueron instrumentos de recolección de datos: cámara desechable y digital y formularios para capturar información sobre la salud asociada con el ambiente del hogar. Los resultados fueron contextualizados de acuerdo a la teoría y organizado en categorías: vulnerabilidades asociadas con la estructura física de la casa; aire intra y peridoméstico impuro; agua utilizada para el consumo; saneamiento y alcantarillado; iluminación y ventilación de la residencia. Se concluye que el hogar ofrece condiciones ambientales desfavorables para el niño. Hay necesidad de intervenciones específicas en el entorno del hogar para promover la salud de los niños nacidos expuestos al VIH.

The purpose of this study was to identify the demands of home care of children born exposed to HIV in the perspective of the environmental theory. It consists of an exploratory descriptive qualitative study, developed between January and April of 2011. Study participants were ten HIV-infected mothers with infants exposed to the virus, living in Fortaleza, Ceará. The data collection instruments included: a disposable digital camera and forms to obtain information on health associated with the home environment. Results were contextualized according to the theory and organized into the following categories: vulnerabilities associated with the physical structure of the house; contaminated intra and peridomestic air; unclean water used for drinking; sanitation and sewerage system; lighting and ventilation of the house. In conclusion, the home environment offers unfavorable environmental conditions for the child. Targeted interventions in the home environment are necessary so as to promote the health of children born exposed to HIV.

Eventos adversos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación e inmunización en hijos de madres infectadas con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Supposedly attributable to vaccination and immunization in children of mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus adverse events

Introducción: las vacunas son una de las intervenciones sanitarias más importantes y difundidas. La monitorización de su seguridad a través del registro de eventos adversos es imprescindible. Los hijos de madre infectada por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), expuestos,infectados o serorrevertidos son un grupo particular de individuos dentro del esquema de inmunización. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la frecuencia de eventos adversos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación e inmunización (ESAVI) en los hijos de madres infectadas con VIH. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal entre el 1º de setiembre de 2008 y el 28 de febrero de 2011 en el Centro Nacional de Referencia Obstétrico-Pediátrico VIH-SIDA del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell con los pacientes allí controlados ( infectados y no infectados) que requerían vacunación en sus controles. Se registró el porcentaje y tipo de eventos producidos. Resultados: de 189 pacientes, 110 (58%) entregaron el formulario con un total de 157 registros. La mediana de edad fue de 2 meses (rango de 2 meses a 17 años). El 63% era menor de 6 meses. De los 110 niños, 34 eran infectados y 76 no infectados. Se registraron eventos adversos en 49 (44,5%) pacientes. Hubo 108 eventos leves y 23 graves. El porcentaje de ESAVI en ambos grupos fue similar (p>0,05). No se registraron hospitalizaciones ni eventos difíciles de catalogar como relacionados a vacunación. Conclusiones: las vacunas administradas en eseperíodo fueron seguras con similares ESAVI en ambos grupos de pacientes. Continuar vigilando la aparición de ESAVI y comparar los resultados año a año será importante para actualizar recomendaciones y garantizar la seguridad de los pacientes y sus cuidadores.

Transplacental transmission of Cryptococcus neoformans to an HIV-exposed premature neonate.

Cryptococcosis during pregnancy is well documented, but transmission of infection to the fetus is rare. We describe a premature neonate born to a mother with congenitally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and active cryptococcosis. Histological examination of the placenta revealed Cryptococcus neoformans within the maternal intervillous space with focal invasion into the chorionic villi. A positive serum cryptococcal antigen (1:2) was detected on days 1 and 5 of life. The neonate had no evidence of central nervous system disease and was treated with fluconazole with resolution of antigenemia. This case highlights both the potential for transplacental transmission of C. neoformans infection and the complexities of caring for pregnant mothers who themselves are congenitally infected with HIV.