Evaluation of weight-based prescription of antiretroviral therapy in children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of and factors associated with incorrect dosing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected children in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS: All children aged 0-10 years and children aged 11-17 years who weighed < 35 kg and taking ART were recruited from the paediatric HIV clinic at Harare Hospital. Their current doses of ART drugs were compared against doses recommended by the national guidelines. RESULTS: Among 309 children recruited [55% male; median age 7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5-10 years)], the median CD4 count was 899 cells/µL and the median duration of their current ART regimen was 11.2 months (IQR 4.9-17.1 months). Overall, 110 (35.6%) children were prescribed incorrect doses of at least one drug component within their ART regimen; 64 (20.7%) under-dosed and 49 (15.9%) over-dosed on at least one drug. Children receiving a higher than recommended dose of at least one drug were younger compared with correctly dosed children (median 6 versus 7 years, respectively; P = 0.001), had been on their current ART regimen for a shorter time (median 7.2 versus 13 months, respectively; P = 0.003) and were less likely to be receiving a three-drug fixed-dose combination (FDC; 42.9 versus 63.3%, respectively; P = 0.009). Those who were under-dosed were also less likely to be on a three-drug FDC (25 versus 63.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Over a third of children were prescribed incorrect doses of ART. Children taking triple-drug FDCs were likely to be correctly dosed. Our study highlights the importance of weight monitoring at each clinical contact, training of health care providers on paediatric drug dosing and the need for wider availability of FDCs for children.

Non-adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in children attending HIV treatment clinic at harare Children's Hospital, Zimbabwe.

Background: Non-adherence reduces the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. Knowledge of factors associated with non-adherence would assist clinicians and program planners to design and implement interventions to improve adherence and therefore treatment outcomes. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in children less than 10 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 216 caregivers and children less than 10 years of age who had received HAART for at least 60 days prior to this study. Non-adherence was defined as taking less than 95% of prescribed doses. Caregiver self-reports of missed doses in the 30 days preceding a clinic visit, and clinic based pill counts were used to determine non-adherence. Results: Of the 228 children selected, 216 (94.7%) study participants were assessed using the self-report method. Pill count assessment was done on only 96 (44%) participants who produced unused pills on their review dates. Caregiver self-reports (n=216) estimated the prevalence of non-adherence to be 7.4% (95%: CI 3.90 10.90) whereas clinic-based pill counts (n=96) yielded a higher estimate of 18.8% (95% CI 10.94 26.56). In a regression analysis based on pill count, two or fewer siblings (OR=6.26, 95% CI 1.64-23.95) or adults (OR=3.73, 95% CI: 1.01-13.78) in the household were independently associated with non-adherence to HAART. Of the 16 participants who were non adherent by pill count the reasons for missing doses were, attending gatherings (funeral, church), caregiver forgetting to give dose, medication running out, not understanding dosing instructions, concurrently taking other medicines such as anti tuberculosis drugs and cotrimoxazole, child visiting relatives during school vacation, and inconsistent supply of drugs in the hospital. Conclusion: The prevalence of non adherence using pill count method was high at this clinic. Caregiver reports of missed doses underestimated the prevalence of non-adherence to HAART. Having fewer siblings or adults in the household to assist with dosing are strongly associated with non-adherence to HAART in this population of children.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis due to multiple and unusual HPV infection among vertically-infected, HIV-positive adolescents in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: We have previously described the presentation of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-like eruptions in almost a quarter of hospitalized adolescents with vertically-acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Harare, Zimbabwe, a region with a high prevalence of HIV infection. METHODS: We performed a clinical case note review and skin biopsy from affected sites in 4 HIV-infected adolescents with EV-like lesions in Harare. Biopsies were processed for histology and for human papillomavirus (HPV) typing. RESULTS: All patients had long-standing skin lesions that pre-dated the diagnosis of HIV by several years. The histology of skin biopsies from all patients was consistent with EV. In each biopsy, EV-associated ß-HPV type 5 was identified (additionally, type 19 was found in 1 biopsy). Cutaneous wart-associated HPV types 1 and 2 were detected in all biopsies, together with genital lesion-associated HPV types 6, 16, and 52, (as well as ≥3 other genital lesion-associated HPV types). Despite immune reconstitution with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), there was no improvement in EV-like lesions in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: EV is a disfiguring and potentially stigmatizing condition among this patient group and is difficult to treat; cART appears to have no impact on the progression of skin disease. Among adolescents with longstanding HIV-induced immunosuppression and with high levels of sun exposure, close dermatological surveillance for potential skin malignancy is required.

Chest radiography patterns in 75 adolescents with vertically-acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

AIM: To evaluate lung disease on chest radiography (CR), the relative frequency of CR abnormalities, and their clinical correlates in adolescents with vertically-acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CRs of 75 patients [59 inpatients (33 males; mean age 13.7±2.3 years) and 16 outpatients (eight males; mean age 14.1±2.1 years)] were retrospectively reviewed by three independent observers. The overall extent of disease (to the nearest 5%), its distribution, and the proportional extents (totalling 100%) of different radiographic patterns (including ring/tramline opacities and consolidation) were quantified. CR features and clinical data were compared. RESULTS: CRs were abnormal in 51/75 (68%) with "extensive" disease in 38/51 (74%). Ring/tramline opacities and consolidation predominated (i.e., proportional extent >50%) in 26 and 21 patients, respectively. Consolidation was significantly more common in patients hospitalized primarily for a respiratory illness than patients hospitalized for a non-respiratory illness or in outpatients (p<0.005, χ(2) for trend); by contrast, ring/tramline opacities did not differ in prevalence across the groups. On stepwise logistic regression, predominant consolidation was associated with progressive dyspnoea [odds ratio (OR) 5.60; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.60, 20.1; p<0.01] and was associated with a primary respiratory cause for hospital admission (OR: 22.0; CI: 2.7, 181.1; p<0.005). Ring/tramline opacities were equally prevalent in patients with and without chronic symptoms and in those admitted to hospital with respiratory and non-respiratory illness. CONCLUSION: In HIV-infected adolescents, evaluated in secondary practice, CR abnormalities are prevalent. The presence of ring/tramline opacities, believed to reflect chronic airway disease, is not linked chronic respiratory symptoms.

Morbidity and mortality patterns in HIV-1 seropositive/ seronegative women in Kampala and Harare during pregnancy and in the subsequent two years.

OBJECTIVE: To compare birth outcomes, hospital admissions and mortality amongst HIV-1 seropositive and HIV-1 seronegative pregnant women in Kampala, Uganda and Harare, Zimbabwe. DESIGN: In Kampala and Harare about 400 HIV-1 seropositive and 400 HIV-1 seronegative pregnant women were recruited at initial visit for antenatal care into a prospective study and followed for two years after delivery. The women were classified as HIV-1 seropositive at recruitment if initial and second ELISA tests were positive and confirmed by Western Blot assay. Data on demographic, reproductive, contraceptive and medical histories were obtained using a comprehensive questionnaire at entry, 32 and 36 weeks gestation, at delivery and at six, 12, and 24 months post delivery. In addition, a physical examination and various blood tests were performed at each antenatal and post natal visit. RESULTS: During the two years after delivery, HIV-1 seropositive women had higher hospital admission and death rates than HIV-1 seronegative women. HIV-1 seropositive mothers had a two-fold increase in risk of being admitted to hospital (Kampala: RR = 2.09; 95% CI = 0.95 to 4.59; Harare: RR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.13 to 3.45). In the six weeks after delivery eight deaths occurred, six of which were among HIV-1 seropositive women and in the period from six weeks to two years after delivery, 53 deaths occurred, 51 of which were among HIV-1 seropositive women (Kampala: RR = 17.7; 95% CI = 4.3 to 73.2; Harare: RR = 10.0; 95% CI = 2.3 to 43.1). However, there was no difference in hospital admission rates between HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative women during pregnancy itself and there was only one death during that period (in a HIV-1 seronegative woman). There was no difference in the frequency of complications of delivery between HIV-1 seropositive and HIV-1 seronegative women and the outcome of births were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of HIV-1 positive pregnant women presented at both Harare and Kampala although there was no difference in the number of hospital admissions or mortality between HIV-1 seropositive and HIV-1 seronegative women during pregnancy. Although there were no differences in complications during pregnancy or outcome at delivery, in the two years after delivery, HIV-1 seropositive women in both centres were at increased risk of being admitted to hospital and of dying.

The burden and predictors of cognitive impairment among 6- to 8-year-old children infected and uninfected with HIV from Harare, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study.

With long-term survival of children infected with HIV, information on cognitive function at school age is needed. To determine cognitive function among 6- to 8 year-old children exposed to HIV and to assess factors associated with cognitive impairment, we conducted a cross-sectional study from October 2010 to December 2011 among children whose mothers participated in a national HIV prevention program in Harare. Cognitive function was assessed using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA). Of the 306 assessed children, 32 (10%) were HIV infected, 121 (40%) exposed uninfected, and 153 (50%) unexposed uninfected. The mean (SD) General Cognitive Index for the whole study group was 82 (15). An overall of 49 (16%) out of the 306 children had cognitive impairment with no difference in general cognitive function among the three groups. Children with HIV infection scored lowest in perceptual performance domain, p = .028. Unemployed caregivers, child orphanhood and undernutrition were associated with impaired cognitive performance in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, caregiver unemployment status remained a factor associated with cognitive impairment with an ODDS ratio of 2.1 (95% CI 1.03-3.36). In a cohort of 6- to 8-year-olds, HIV infection did not show evidence of significant difference in general cognitive function. Children infected with HIV had major deficits in perceptive performance. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with cognitive impairment. In resource-constrained settings, strategies aimed at poverty alleviation and good nutritional management should complement early infant diagnosis and treatment of HIV in order to optimize neurocognitive potential.

Severe Klebsiella infection as a cause of mortality in neonates in Harare, Zimbabwe: evidence from postmortem blood cultures.

Postmortem blood cultures were taken from 105 neonates dying at Harare Hospital during a 1-year period. The infants were characterized by prematurity (63% < 37 weeks gestation), low birth weight (60% < 2500 g) and low Apgar score at 1 min (43% < 3). More than one-half of the infants died within 48 hours of admission. Positive blood cultures within 10 minutes of death occurred in 44% of infants, and Klebsiella sp. were by far the most common isolates. Positive blood cultures were associated with very low birth weight (< 1500 g), and with babies who survived for > 48 hours. Antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 were found in 40% of the infants, and a high proportion of these had Klebsiella bacteremia. Nearly all the infants had received antibiotic therapy, usually penicillin and gentamicin. Very few babies who had received a cephalosporin had a positive blood culture, and in vitro tests showed that although many organisms were resistant to penicillin and the aminoglycosides, very few showed resistance to the cephalosporins. Our findings suggest that cephalosporins may be useful in treating severe neonatal sepsis, particularly when there is no response to more standard therapy.

Community-acquired bacteremia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children in Harare, Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: HIV infection is common in mothers and their children in Zimbabwe, and HIV-infected children are particularly susceptible to bacterial infections. There is little information on the etiology and outcome of HIV-related bacteremia in African children. METHODS: Blood cultures from 309 hospitalized children in Zimbabwe, of whom 168 were diagnosed as having HIV, were examined for pathogens. The association among significant bacteremia, HIV infection and mortality was assessed in these children. RESULTS: The most common isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci (31 children, 25 clinically significant), Staphylococcus aureus (22 children) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (20 children). Nontyphoidal Salmonella (10 children), Escherichia coli (4 children) and Klebsiella sp. (4 children) were the most frequent Gram-negative bacteria. Two children had Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. HIV-infected children showed increased risk of bacteremia (odds ratio (OR) = 2.68), especially if younger than 18 months of age (OR = 2.94), and high risk of enterobacteremia (OR = 15.76). There was no significant association of bacteremia with nutritional status. Mortality was 17% overall but was higher in HIV-infected children up to 6 months of age (OR = 2.81) and in bacteremic children of any age (OR = 2.03). CONCLUSIONS: Prompt recognition of pathogens and early administration of appropriate antimicrobials is important in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacteremia in HIV-infected children in Africa.

PIP: Researchers compared data on 168 HIV-positive pediatric patients with data on 141 HIV-negative pediatric patients to examine the etiology and outcome of HIV-related bacterial infections in a pediatric population admitted to Harare Hospital in Zimbabwe during June 1993 to December 1994. The age of the children ranged from less than 1 month to 96 months. 72% were less than 12 months old. 54% of all pediatric patients tested were HIV-infected. HIV-infected children were more likely to have a bacterial infection than HIV-negative children (40% vs. 20%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.68; p 0.001). The difference in the bacterial infection rate was only significant for children aged less than 18 months (41% vs. 19%; OR = 2.94; p 0.001), however. 14% of the children suffered from severe malnutrition. Nutritional status was not significantly associated with bacterial infection. In both HIV-positive and HIV-negative children, Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent bacterial pathogen (29% for HIV-positive and 18% for HIV-negative children). Many Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates were resistant to the combination therapy of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Only 1 child, who was HIV-positive, had more than one bacterial infection (both Streptococcus pneumoniae and Actinomyces israelii). HIV-positive children were more likely to have an enterobacterial infection than HIV-negative children (10% vs. 0.7%; p 0.001). Mortality was significantly higher among HIV-infected children aged less than 6 months old than their HIV-negative counterparts (28% vs. 12%; OR = 2.81; p 0.05). Even though it was also higher among HIV-positive children aged more than 6 months (17% vs. 7%), the difference was not significant. Regardless of HIV status, children with bacteremia were more likely to die than those without bacteremia (24% vs. 14%; OR = 2.03; p 0.05). These findings stress the importance of early and effective antibiotic therapy. This therapy will reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with bacteriemia in HIV-infected children in Africa.

High prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections among HIV-positive individuals with persistent diarrhoea in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Infection with the microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon bieneusi may be a major cause of prolonged diarrhoea in individuals also infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The parasite has been reported from Europe, Australia and the Americas, with a prevalence of 7-29%. Faecal specimens were obtained from 202 adults and 106 children in Harare, Zimbabwe, all of whom were in hospital and had diarrhoea. HIV serology was available for 119 adults: 106 were HIV seropositive. There were clinical grounds for suspecting HIV infection in 23 of the remaining patients. E. bieneusi was identified in specimens from 13/129 patients (10%) for whom HIV infection was indicated by serology and/or clinical signs, 1/60 patients (2%) of uncertain HIV status, and 0/13 seronegative patients. 18/106 children were HIV seropositive and 12 were not; HIV serology was not available for the remainder, but 19 were strongly suspected of being infected with HIV on clinical criteria. E. bieneusi was not detected in samples from any child. As is common in Zimbabwe, the prevalence of other parasites in faecal specimens was low and, amongst patients with proven or suspected HIV infection, E. bieneusi was the most prevalent parasite identified, particularly in patients with diarrhoea of over 4 weeks duration.

Fatal Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-seropositive infants in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Lung biopsies taken post mortem from 24 HIV-seropositive children who died of pneumonia in Harare Hospital (Zimbabwe) during 1995 were examined for pathogens using histology, culture, microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pneumocystis carinii was detected in 16 (67%) children, in 5 of whom bacterial pathogens were also detected. There were 2 cases of cytomegalovirus infection. On the basis of histology and PCR, none of the children had tuberculosis. These data add to the evidence that P. carinii pneumonia may be a significant cause of death in HIV-infected children in southern Africa. Policies on treatment for severe pneumonia, and on prophylaxis for children born to HIV-seropositive mothers need to be re-examined.

HIV infection in malnourished children in Harare, Zimbabwe.

A descriptive study was undertaken to compare the pattern of socio-demographic features, nutritional profile and presenting features of HIV infected and uninfected children with malnutrition. A total of 140 children aged above 15 months admitted to the paediatric wards, Harare Hospital from December 1993 to February 1994 were studied. Sixty eight (48.6%) children were found to be HIV seropositive and 72 negative. The socio-demographic features were similar in both groups. Marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor were predominant in the HIV infected children, whilst the majority (64%) of the children in the HIV uninfected group had kwashiorkor (p = 0.001). Pneumonia, lymphadenopathy, chronic discharging ears and oral thrush were significantly more frequent in the HIV infected than in the non HIV infected children (p < 0.01). Factors predictive of HIV infection were marasmus (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.04-8.10), generalised lymphadenopathy (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.16-6.64), oral thrush (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.16-6.37) and discharging ears (OR 6.05, 95% CI 1.89-19.42) with a sensitivity of 57.6% (95% CI 45.7%-69.5%), specificity of 71.4% (95% CI 60.8% 82.0%). The high prevalence of HIV infection among the malnourished children emphasises the impact of the HIV epidemic on childhood nutritional morbidity.

PIP: The HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe has increased the prevalence of child malnutrition. This descriptive study compared sociodemographic features, the nutritional profile, and clinical features of 140 HIV-positive and HIV-negative children 15 months of age and older with malnutrition admitted to Harare Hospital in 1993-94. 68 children (48.6%) were HIV-infected. There were no significant differences between infected and non-infected children in terms of sociodemographic factors such as area of residence, maternal education, caretaker, and breast feeding status. HIV-infected children were most likely to have marasmus and marasmic kwashiorkor; 64% of children in the HIV-negative group had kwashiorkor. Pneumonia, lymphadenopathy, chronic ear discharge, and oral thrush were significantly more prevalent among HIV-infected children. Four factors were predictive of HIV infection: marasmus (odds ratio (OR), 2.72; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-8.10), generalized lymphadenopathy (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.16-6.64), oral thrush (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.16-6.37), and ear discharge (OR, 6.05; 95% CI, 1.89-19.42). 32 children (22.8%) died during their hospitalization. Mortality was significantly greater among children less than 60% of expected weight (severe malnutrition), but was not significantly related to HIV status.

Empyema in children: a review of 52 cases.

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the clinical pattern, management and outcome in children admitted with empyema at Harare Hospital. Fifty-two children were seen and followed up during the three-year period, 1984-1987. All patients were managed with intrapleural drain and antibiotics. Two needed decortication. The predominant pathogen isolated from the pleural cavity was Staphylococcus aureus. All survived and on follow up only one child was found to have persistent radiological abnormality and poor exercise tolerance. Early intrapleural drainage and appropriate antibiotics should be the mainstay of treatment for empyema for the majority of children in Zimbabwe.

Hypoxaemia and bronchopneumonia in infants less than six months of age.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of both oxygen saturation (SaO2) in high levels of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and the rate of desaturation in air among survivors and non survivors (death within 7 days of admission) in infants with bronchopneumonia. DESIGN: Hospital based prognostic study. SETTING: Tertiary level Paediatric ward, Harare Hospital. SUBJECTS: Total of 40 infants aged less than six months with pneumonia were studied. INTERVENTIONS: Oxygen saturation was measured with a pulse oximeter and F1O2 with an analyser. F1O2 was increased until the SaO2 reached maximal values, SaO2 was recorded for five minutes: three in O2 (oxygen) and two in air and the rate of desaturation calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality within seven days of admission. RESULTS: Eleven died within seven days of admission. Mortality was not associated with age, weight for age, severity of pneumonia, or SaO2 in high oxygen (99pc versus 95pc). It was related to the rate of oxygen desaturation in air; 8pc/minute versus 24pc/minute in survivors and non survivors, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that current nursing procedures and feeding practices may need to be modified in these very ill infants.

Serum electrolytes in children admitted with diarrhoeal dehydration managed with simple salt sugar solution.

PIP: Diarrheal diseases constitute a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe. Since 1982, it has been the policy in Zimbabwe to use home-based Salt Sugar Solution (SSS) as standard Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) therapy for both prevention and management of dehydration. The recommended formula is incomplete, lacking both potassium and bicarbonate. It may not, therefore, be as efficacious as complete ORS for the prevention or correction of hypokalemia and acidosis during diarrhea. For this reason, a study was carried out at Harare Central Hospital to assess the type and prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in dehydrated children who had previously been managed with oral salt sugar solution for acute gastroenteritis. 121 such referred patients had their serum urea and electrolytes estimated on admission prior to further management in the Unit; .38 (27.5%) cases of hypokalemia, 12 (8.9%) of hypernatremia, 52 (5.5%) of hypoatremia and 65 (45.7%) of severe acidosis (bicarbonate level 10 mmol/1) were documented. It is concluded that simple salt sugar solution is ideal for the prevention of dehydration but in cases of established dehydration the WHO complete formula is more appropriate for combating hypokalemia and severe metabolic acidosis.^ieng

Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 isolated in Zimbabwe--implications for the management of dysentery.

Shigella dysenteriae type 1 was cultured from 56/170 (33 pc) rectal swab specimens collected from patients presenting to hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe with dysentery. All of the isolates were resistant in vitro to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, with MICs > 32 mg/l, and all except one were resistant to ampicillin, most with an MIC > 256 mg/l. One isolate was resistant to nalidixic acid (MIC > 256 mg/l), but all of the others were sensitive, most with an MIC of 2 mg/l or less. Using antibiotic disks, 96 pc isolates were resistant to chloromphenicol and 94 pc to tetracycline. All isolates were sensitive in vitro to gentamicin. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that commonly available antibiotics including ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol or tetracycline should not be used for the treatment of dysentery. The most appropriate antimicrobial agent at the present time would be nalidixic acid. Resistance to this is, however, likely to emerge and data on susceptibilities to fluoroquinolones as well as to cephalosporins should be obtained so that further recommendations can be given timeously.

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome following Shigella dysenteriae type 1 outbreak in Zimbabwe: a clinical experience.

Shigella dysenteriae type 1 related dysentery outbreak in Zimbabwe at the end of 1992 has been associated with an increase in the frequency of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). In order to document this new clinical experience a retrospective study was undertaken to document clinical and laboratory features, treatment and outcome of children with HUS. During the period January 1993 to June 1994, 96 children with HUS were seen at the referral hospitals in Harare. Severe and prolonged anaemia was a common feature and 80 pc of the children were given blood transfusions. Severe anaemia (HB < 6g/dl) was however, present in 50 pc of the children prior to death. Leucocytosis (white blood cell count > 20 x 10(9)/L) was present in 87 pc of the children on admission and there was no association between the level of leucocytosis and anuria. Anuria was present in 37 (39 pc) and was associated with a mortality of 68 pc. Peritoneal dialysis was performed in 26 (27 pc) patients. Major neurological complications were seen in a third of the children. Thirty eight children died, an overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 40 pc. Earlier recognition, prompt and comprehensive supportive therapy may improve the immediate survival in children with HUS in Zimbabwe.

Pattern of admissions to the paediatric medical wards (1995 to 1996) at Harare Hospital, Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To document the pattern of disease and outcome of medical paediatric admissions at Harare hospital. DESIGN: Cross sectional study from 1 June 1995 to 30th May 1996. SETTING: Medical paediatric wards, Harare Central Hospital. SUBJECTS: All admissions below the age of nine years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Socio-demographic features, nutritional status, clinical diagnoses, duration of hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 8,826(90.0%) of the admissions were assessed. The majority(51.8%) of the patients were one year and below. "Road to Health" cards, available for 94.4% children, showed 88.0% had appropriate immunizations for age. Forty nine percent had lower respiratory tract infection either as only, or concurrent with other diagnoses, with an overall fatality rate of 16.2%. Acute diarrhoea was the second most frequent condition (21.0%) with an associated case fatality rate of 11.3%. Mortality rates for neonatal sepsis and bacterial meningitis were 12.3% and 32.8% respectively. Severe malnutrition defined as less than 60% of the expected weight for age, was present in 12.5% with an associated fatality rate of 28.7%. Based on clinical suspicion 23.2% of the total children were tested for HIV antibodies and 82.0% were positive. Overall case fatality among the inpatients was 17.8% and 36.7% of the total deaths occurred within 24 hours of admission. CONCLUSION: There is a need to re-evaluate our management strategies for common conditions including those with HIV infection. Standardization of case management is an important and essential step towards reduction in mortality both at the primary and referral health institutions.

Serum immunoglobulin levels in paediatric patients with pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine levels of serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA in patients admitted with pneumonia to Harare Central Hospital paediatric wards. DESIGN: A cross sectional pilot study. SETTING: Harare Central Hospital, Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe; Department of Paediatrics, University of Zimbabwe; Immunology Laboratory, University of Utrecht (The Netherlands). SUBJECTS: 71 paediatric patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Immunoglobulin profiles for children with pneumonia. RESULTS: Of the 71 children tested, 43 had high IgG levels of between two and half and five times the upper end of the normal age-matched reference range. While the same 43 children with high IgG had similarly elevated levels of IgM, only 25 of them had elevated IgA levels. Of this group of 43 children with hypergammaglobulinaemia, all but one, had antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 50% of whom had detectable levels of p24 antigen in their sera. A small minority, 4% of the 71 patients, had very low levels of total immunogloblins. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of total immunoglobulins occur frequently in children with pneumonia and are associated with the presence of HIV 1/2 antibodies and also p24 antigen.

Neonatal septicaemia in Harare Hospital: aetiology and risk factors. The Puerperal Sepsis Study Group.

During February to June 1987, one hundred and sixty one babies admitted to Harare Neonatal Unit had positive blood cultures, giving a sepsis rate of 21/100 live births at Harare Hospital. The case records of these 161 babies were reviewed and compared with records of 50 babies admitted from the same catchment area and during the same time period but who had negative blood cultures. Babies with early (less than 48 hr) onset or late onset sepsis tended to have lower birth weights and shorter gestational ages than controls. Significant risk factors in maternal history were poor antenatal care and prolonged rupture of membranes. Hypothermia, respiratory distress, jaundice and hypoglycaemia were all common findings in babies with sepsis. Staph. aureus and Group B streptococci (GBS) were the most common isolates in both early and late onset sepsis, with Esch. coli and Klebsiella sp. being more common in early than in late onset disease. Cultures from the genital tract were obtained from 28 of the mothers whose babies developed sepsis. Only rarely, however, was an organism with similar identity and antibiogram to that isolated from the blood culture of the baby obtained from the mother. Nevertheless mothers of blood culture positive babies showed high carriage rates of GBS, B. melaninogenicus and Klebsiella. The overall mortality in sepsis cases was 28.5 pc, but mortality was discouragingly high where coliforms or Staph.epidermidis were isolated.

HIV-1 seroconversion incidence following pregnancy and delivery among women seronegative at recruitment in Harare, Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of HIV seroconversion among women following pregnancy and delivery. DESIGN: A prospective cohort of women who were HIV negative at recruitment on first antenatal care visit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women were invited to undergo voluntary confidential HIV counselling and blood draw for HIV testing during the first antenatal care visit as part of a prospective study of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. Repeat tests were conducted at delivery, six weeks post partum and at three monthly intervals until 24 months or on termination due to subsequent pregnancy, death or loss to follow up. Logistic regression modelling was used to determine independent predictors of HIV seroconversion. RESULTS: Among 372 HIV negative pregnant women who were enrolled, 66 seroconverted during follow up, resulting in a sero-incidence of 4.8 per 100 person years (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1 to 6.5). Women who did not seroconvert during the time of pregnancy or follow up were significantly more likely to have used a condom with their partners (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.99). Women aged 17 years and below had the highest seroconversion incidence (6.25%) followed by those aged 18 to 19 years (5.42%). Women who seroconverted and those who were HIV positive at recruitment were more likely to be married. Lack of education by the partner of a pregnant woman constituted a significant risk factor for HIV seroconversion (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1 to 11.0). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high HIV seroconversion incidence among women during pregnancy and following delivery, especially those aged 19 years and below. Being married does not protect the women from the risk of HIV seroconversion. Strategies for HIV prevention should target pregnant women and their partners.