Prevalence and Associated Characteristics of HIV-Infected Children in Latin America Who Know Their HIV Status.

We estimated the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure in children from a prospective observational cohort study conducted at clinical sites in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Fewer than half of the children in this study knew their HIV status, which highlights the need for better strategies for disclosure that are age and culturally appropriate.

Prevalence and predictors of elevated aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index in Latin American perinatally HIV-infected children.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease has emerged as an important problem in adults with longstanding HIV infection, but data are lacking for children. We characterized elevated aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a marker of possible liver fibrosis, in perinatally HIV-infected children. METHODS: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative enrolled HIV-infected children (ages 0.1-20.1 years) from 5 Latin American countries in an observational cohort from 2002 to 2009. Twice yearly visits included medical history, physical examination and laboratory evaluations. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of APRI > 1.5 was calculated, and associations with demographic, HIV-related and liver-related variables were investigated in bivariate analyses. RESULTS: APRI was available for 1012 of 1032 children. APRI was >1.5 in 32 (3.2%, 95% confidence interval: 2.2%-4.4%) including 2 of 4 participants with hepatitis B virus infection. Factors significantly associated with APRI > 1.5 (P < 0.01 compared with APRI ≤ 1.5) included country, younger age, past or current hepatitis B virus, higher alanine aminotransferase, lower total cholesterol, higher log10 current viral load, lower current CD4 count, lower nadir CD4 count, use of hepatotoxic nonantiretroviral (ARV) medications and no prior ARV use. Rates of APRI > 1.5 varied significantly by current ARV regimen (P = 0.0002), from 8.0% for no ARV to 3.2% for non-protease inhibitor regimens to 1.5% for protease inhibitor-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated APRI occurred in approximately 3% of perinatally HIV-infected children. Protease inhibitor-based ARVs appeared protective whereas inadequate HIV control appeared to increase risk of elevated APRI. Additional investigations are needed to better assess potential subclinical, chronic liver disease in HIV-infected children.

Impact on hypertension reclassification by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) according to the V Brazilian Guidelines on ABPM.

BACKGROUND: New recommendations on reference values for normal test results in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were proposed by the V Brazilian Guidelines on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, based mainly on the IDACO study. OBJECTIVES: This epidemiological study is aimed at evaluating the impact of adopting these new standards in an arterial hypertension referral center. METHODS: The results of 1,567 ABPM tests carried out between 2005 and 2010 were analyzed; 481 patients were excluded from the sample for not meeting minimum quality criteria of the test. Reference values from the IV Brazilian Guidelines on ABPM (2005) were used for the classification of these tests regarding the abnormality and compared with the changes proposed by the V Brazilian Guidelines on ABPM (2011). Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-square method and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: For the 1,086 tests evaluated, there was a significant difference in the proportion of patients with altered ABPM results, especially for the variable systolic pressure in the sleeping period: 49% when adopting the cutoff values of 2005 and 71% when adopting the values of 2011, with statistical significance, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of the new guidelines had a great impact on the hypertension classification by ABPM test results in the study population. The question of thresholds of these tests for therapeutic targets of patients known to be hypertensive is still open and requires further studies, preferably national ones, for better definition of the subject.

Impacto na reclassificação da hipertensão pela Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial (MAPA) segundo a V Diretriz Brasileira de MAPA / Impact on hypertension reclassification by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) according to the V Brazilian Guidelines on ABPM

FUNDAMENTOS: Novas recomendações sobre valores de referência para normalidade em exames de monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) foram propostas pela V Diretriz Brasileira de Monitorização Ambulatorial da Hipertensão Arterial, com base principalmente no estudo IDACO. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo epidemiológico tem o objetivo de avaliar o impacto da adoção desses novos critérios em um ambulatório de referência em hipertensão arterial. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados resultados de 1.567 exames de MAPA realizados entre 2005 e 2010, excluídos 481 pacientes da amostra por não preencherem critérios mínimos de qualidade do exame. Para a classificação desses exames quanto à anormalidade, foram utilizados os valores de referência da IV Diretriz Brasileira de MAPA (2005) e comparados com as mudanças propostas na V Diretriz Brasileira de MAPA (2011). Foi realizada análise estatística pelo método do Q² de Pearson, considerando-se p significativo < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Para os 1.086 exames avaliados, houve importante diferença na proporção de pacientes com MAPA alterado, em especial para a variável pressão arterial sistólica do sono: 49% adotando os valores de corte de 2005 e 71% adotando os de 2011, com significância estatística, p < 0,0001. CONCLUSÕES: A recomendação da nova diretriz causou grande impacto na classificação da hipertensão pelos exames de MAPA dentro da população estudada. A questão sobre os limiares desses exames para metas terapêuticas de pacientes sabidamente hipertensos ainda está em aberto e carece de mais estudos, preferencialmente nacionais, para melhor definição do assunto.

BACKGROUND: New recommendations on reference values for normal test results in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were proposed by the V Brazilian Guidelines on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, based mainly on the IDACO study. Objectives: This epidemiological study is aimed at evaluating the impact of adopting these new standards in an arterial hypertension referral center. METHODS: The results of 1,567 ABPM tests carried out between 2005 and 2010 were analyzed; 481 patients were excluded from the sample for not meeting minimum quality criteria of the test. Reference values from the IV Brazilian Guidelines on ABPM (2005) were used for the classification of these tests regarding the abnormality and compared with the changes proposed by the V Brazilian Guidelines on ABPM (2011). Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-square method and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: For the 1,086 tests evaluated, there was a significant difference in the proportion of patients with altered ABPM results, especially for the variable systolic pressure in the sleeping period: 49% when adopting the cutoff values of 2005 and 71% when adopting the values of 2011, with statistical significance, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of the new guidelines had a great impact on the hypertension classification by ABPM test results in the study population. The question of thresholds of these tests for therapeutic targets of patients known to be hypertensive is still open and requires further studies, preferably national ones, for better definition of the subject.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Among HIV/HCV-Coinfected Women.

BACKGROUND: Maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection has been associated with increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). We hypothesized that HCV/HIV-coinfected women with well-controlled HIV disease would not have increased HCV MTCT. METHODS: The NISDI Perinatal and LILAC cohorts enrolled HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants in Latin America and the Caribbean. This substudy evaluated the HCV infection status of mothers at participating sites and their live born, singleton infants who had a 6-month postnatal visit by December 31, 2008. Mothers who were anti-HCV-positive, or who had CD4 counts (cells/mm(3)) <200 with detectable HCV RNA, were considered HCV-infected. All HCV-infected women were tested for HCV RNA. Infants with HCV RNA were considered HCV-infected. RESULTS: Of 1042 enrolled women, 739 (71%) mother-infant pairs met the inclusion criteria. Of the 739 women, 67 (9%) were anti-HCV-positive and 672 anti-HCV-negative [68 (10%) with CD4 counts <200; of these, 3 (4.4%) were HCV RNA-positive]. Therefore, our study population comprised 70 HCV-infected (47 with HCV RNA) and 669 HCV-uninfected women (and their infants). Factors associated with maternal HCV infection included unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 2.58); tobacco (OR = 1.73) or marijuana (OR = 3.88) use during pregnancy; enrollment HIV viral load ([VL] copies/mL) ≥10 000 (OR = 2.27); HIV clinical disease stage C (OR = 2.12); and abnormal alanine aminotransferase (OR = 4.24) or aspartate aminotransferase (OR = 11.98). Four of 47 infants (8.5%) born to HCV-viremic women were HCV-infected, and all 4 mothers had HIV VL <1000 at hospital discharge after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: HCV MTCT among HIV/HCV-coinfected women with well-controlled HIV disease may be lower than reported in other coinfected populations. Studies with longer infant follow-up are needed.

Lopinavir/ritonavir dosing during pregnancy in Brazil and maternal/infant laboratory abnormalities.

OBJECTIVES: To describe laboratory abnormalities among HIV-infected women and their infants with standard and increased lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) dosing during the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: We evaluated data on pregnant women from NISDI cohorts (2002-2009) enrolled in Brazil, who received at least 28 days of LPV/r during the third pregnancy trimester and gave birth to singleton infants. RESULTS: 164 women received LPV/r standard dosing [(798/198 or 800/200 mg/day) (Group 1)] and 70 increased dosing [(> 800/200 mg/day) (Group 2)]. Group 1 was more likely to have advanced clinical disease and to use ARVs for treatment, and less likely to have CD4 counts > 500 cells/mm³. Mean plasma viral load was higher in Group 2. There were statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, differences between groups in mean AST, ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The proportion of women with Grade 3 or 4 adverse events was very low, with no statistically significant differences between groups in severe adverse events related to ALT, AST, total bilirubin, cholesterol, or triglycerides. There were statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, differences between infant groups in ALT and creatinine. The proportion of infants with Grade 3 or 4 adverse events was very low, and there were no statistically significant differences in severe adverse events related to ALT, AST, BUN, or creatinine. CONCLUSION: The proportions of women and infants with severe laboratory adverse events were very low. Increased LPV/r dosing during the third trimester of pregnancy appears to be safe for HIV-infected women and their infants.

Lopinavir/ritonavir dosing during pregnancy in Brazil and maternal/infant laboratory abnormalities

OBJECTIVES: To describe laboratory abnormalities among HIV-infected women and their infants with standard and increased lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) dosing during the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: We evaluated data on pregnant women from NISDI cohorts (2002-2009) enrolled in Brazil, who received at least 28 days of LPV/r during the third pregnancy trimester and gave birth to singleton infants. RESULTS: 164 women received LPV/r standard dosing [(798/198 or 800/200 mg/day) (Group 1)] and 70 increased dosing [(> 800/200 mg/day) (Group 2)]. Group 1 was more likely to have advanced clinical disease and to use ARVs for treatment, and less likely to have CD4 counts > 500 cells/mm³. Mean plasma viral load was higher in Group 2. There were statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, differences between groups in mean AST, ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The proportion of women with Grade 3 or 4 adverse events was very low, with no statistically significant differences between groups in severe adverse events related to ALT, AST, total bilirubin, cholesterol, or triglycerides. There were statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, differences between infant groups in ALT and creatinine. The proportion of infants with Grade 3 or 4 adverse events was very low, and there were no statistically significant differences in severe adverse events related to ALT, AST, BUN, or creatinine. CONCLUSION: The proportions of women and infants with severe laboratory adverse events were very low. Increased LPV/r dosing during the third trimester of pregnancy appears to be safe for HIV-infected women and their infants.

Knowledge and practice of prechewing/prewarming food by HIV-infected women.

OBJECTIVE: HIV transmission has been associated with offering a child food prechewed by an HIV-infected caregiver. We assessed awareness of prechewing and oral prewarming of food by an adult before offering it to a child among HIV-infected pregnant women and clinical investigators in 3 Latin American countries. METHODS: HIV-infected pregnant women at 12 sites (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative Perinatal Longitudinal Study in Latin American Countries, a prospective cohort trial) in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru were administered a screening survey about prechewing/prewarming of infant foods and cautioned against these feeding practices. Survey responses were analyzed, overall, and stratified according to country. RESULTS: Of the 401 HIV-infected pregnant women interviewed, 34% had heard about prechewing (50% from Argentina, 32% from Brazil, and 36% from Peru), 23% knew someone who prechewed food for infants, and 4% had prechewed food in the past. Seventeen percent had heard about oral prewarming of food, 13% knew someone who prewarmed food for infants, and 3% had prewarmed food for an infant in the past. Women who reported knowing someone who prechewed were more likely to also know someone who prewarmed food (P < .0001). Few site investigators anticipated that their patients would be aware of these practices. CONCLUSIONS: Prechewing food, a potential risk factor for HIV transmission, and orally prewarming food, which has not been associated with HIV transmission but might expose a child to blood from an HIV-infected adult, are not uncommon practices in Latin America. Both practices should be further investigated. Site investigator responses underscore that health care providers could be missing information about cultural practices that patients may not report unless specifically asked.

Postpartum changes in plasma viral load and CD4 percentage among HIV-infected women from Latin American and Caribbean countries: the NISDI Perinatal Study.

The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA concentration [viral load (VL)] and CD4+ percentage (CD4%) during 6-12 weeks postpartum (PP) among HIV-infected women and to assess differences according to the reason for receipt of antiretrovirals (ARVs) during pregnancy [prophylaxis (PR) vs. treatment (TR)]. Data from a prospective cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative Perinatal Study) were analyzed. Women experiencing their first pregnancy who received ARVs for PR (started during pregnancy, stopped PP) or for TR (initiated prior to pregnancy and/or continued PP) were included and were followed PP. Increases in plasma VL (> 0.5 log10) and decreases in CD4% (> 20% relative decrease in CD4%) between hospital discharge (HD) and PP were assessed. Of the 1,229 women enrolled, 1,119 met the inclusion criteria (PR: 601; TR: 518). At enrollment, 87% were asymptomatic. The median CD4% values were: HD [34% (PR); 25% (TR)] and PP [29% (PR); 24% (TR)]. The VL increases were 60% (PR) and 19% (TR) (p < 0.0001). The CD4% decreases were 36% (PR) and 18% (TR) (p < 0.0001). Women receiving PR were more likely to exhibit an increase in VL [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 7.7 (95% CI: 5.5-10.9) and a CD4% decrease (AOR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.6-3.2). Women receiving PR are more likely to have VL increases and CD4% decreases compared to those receiving TR. The clinical implications of these VL and CD4% changes remain to be explored.

Postpartum changes in plasma viral load and CD4 percentage among HIV-infected women from Latin American and Caribbean countries: the NISDI Perinatal Study

The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA concentration [viral load (VL)] and CD4+ percentage (CD4 percent) during 6-12 weeks postpartum (PP) among HIV-infected women and to assess differences according to the reason for receipt of antiretrovirals (ARVs) during pregnancy [prophylaxis (PR) vs. treatment (TR)]. Data from a prospective cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative Perinatal Study) were analyzed. Women experiencing their first pregnancy who received ARVs for PR (started during pregnancy, stopped PP) or for TR (initiated prior to pregnancy and/or continued PP) were included and were followed PP. Increases in plasma VL (> 0.5 log10) and decreases in CD4 percent (> 20 percent relative decrease in CD4 percent) between hospital discharge (HD) and PP were assessed. Of the 1,229 women enrolled, 1,119 met the inclusion criteria (PR: 601; TR: 518). At enrollment, 87 percent were asymptomatic. The median CD4 percent values were: HD [34 percent (PR); 25 percent (TR)] and PP [29 percent (PR); 24 percent (TR)]. The VL increases were 60 percent (PR) and 19 percent (TR) (p < 0.0001). The CD4 percent decreases were 36 percent (PR) and 18 percent (TR) (p < 0.0001). Women receiving PR were more likely to exhibit an increase in VL [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 7.7 (95 percent CI: 5.5-10.9) and a CD4 percent decrease (AOR 2.3; 95 percent CI: 1.6-3.2). Women receiving PR are more likely to have VL increases and CD4 percent decreases compared to those receiving TR. The clinical implications of these VL and CD4 percent changes remain to be explored.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus in a hospital in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: There still are controversies concerning the vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus in pregnant women, as well as the rate of vertical transmission of this virus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1998 and November 1999, 1,090 consecutive pregnant women were screened for anti-hepatitis C virus; positive results were confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction assay. Patient's viral load was evaluated by the branched deoxyribonucleic acid assay. Hepatitis C virus genotype was identified by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction amplification products. The same tests were performed in the children born from infected mothers at the 1st and 6th month of life. RESULTS: Of the 1,090 mothers surveyed, 29 were positive for anti-hepatitis C virus (prevalence of 2.66%). Twenty-five patients presented with hepatitis C virus RNA, with a median hepatitis C virus viral load of 3.132 +/- 5.891 MEq/mL. Twenty-two patients (six human immunodeficiency virus-coinfected) were followed and gave birth to 23 children; 18 of them had blood samples tested at the 1st month of life, and 22, at the 6th month. Vertical transmission rate was 5.56%; it affected a girl who had hepatitis C virus RNA detectable only in the 1st month sample (41.570 MEq/mL). The mother who transmitted hepatitis C virus was coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and presented with an hepatitis C virus viral load of 3.765 MEq/mL, with 100% homology with her daughter's hepatitis C virus genotype. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in pregnant women should not be neglected, and early diagnosis of vertical transmission and the follow up of infected children should be emphasized.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus in a hospital in southern Brazil

RACIONAL: Ainda existem controvérsias em relação à transmissão vertical do vírus da hepatite C (VHC). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência dos anticorpos contra o VHC (anti-VHC) em mulheres grávidas, bem como a percentagem de transmissão vertical observada. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Entre agosto de 1998 e novembro de 1999, 1.090 mulheres grávidas consecutivas realizaram a determinação do anti-VHC. A confirmação do teste foi feita pela reação em cadeia da polimerase. A carga viral foi determinada pelo b-DNA e o genótipo por seqüenciamento. Os mesmos testes foram realizados no 1º e 6º mês de vida, nas crianças nascidas de mães infectadas. RESULTADOS: Das 1.090 mães estudadas, 29 apresentaram positividade para o anti-VHC (prevalência de 2,66%). Em 25 pacientes foi demonstrado o RNA do VHC, sendo que a carga viral média foi de 3,132 ± 5,891 MEq/mL. Vinte e duas pacientes (6 co-infectadas com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana) foram seguidas e deram à luz a 23 crianças, das quais 18 tiveram seu sangue testado no 1º mês e 22 no 6º mês. Foi observada transmissão vertical em 5,56% dos casos. Assim, em uma criança do sexo feminino foi detectado o RNA do VHC (41,570 MEq/mL). A mãe desta criança estava co-infectada pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e apresentava carga viral de 3,765 MEq/mL, com 100% de homologia no genótipo viral. CONCLUSAO: Estes resultados sugerem que a prevalência da infecção pelo VHC em gestantes não deve ser negligenciada e que um diagnóstico precoce e o seguimento das crianças infectadas deve ser preconizado.

Vírus da hepatite C em gestantes: prevalência e avaliação do risco do aleitamento materno / Hepatites C virus in pregnant women: prevalence and evaluation of breast - feeding risk

Este estudo avaliou a prevalência do anti-HCV em gestantes de um hospital geral, bem como a presença do vírus da hepatite C (VHC) no leite materno. Para tanto, foram avaliadas prospectivamente 1.090 gestantes, nas quais foi realizada a pesquisa do anti-HCV. Nas pacientes reagentes foi feita a pesquisa do RNA viral pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sendo que nas que amamentavam foram colhidas amostras de leite para pesquisa do HCV RNA. Observou-se uma prevalência do anti-HCV em 2,66 por cento das gestantes, sendo que o HCV RNA foi positivo em 82,61 por cento das analisadas. Seis gestantes apresentavam coinfecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Quando se avaliaram 12 amostras de leite materno, o HCV RNA foi negativo. Os autores concluem que a prevalência do VHC em gestantes não deve ser desconsiderada e que o aleitamento materno não é um fator relevante na transmissão do VHC.

Transmissão vertical da infecção pelo vírus C da hepatite

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência da infecção pelo vírus C da hepatite (HCV) entre gestantes em um hospital geral, bem como estudar a incidência da infecção pelo HCV através da transmissão vertical. Também estudou-se a possibilidade da associação da transmissão vertical do HCV com a carga viral materna e com a coinfecção materna pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), bem como o papel do aleitamento na transmissão vertical. Do presente, estudo conclui-se que a prevalência do anti-HCV nas gestantes avaliadas foi de 2,66%, sendo infreqüente a transmissão vertical (5,56%). Por outro lado, a não detecção do genoma viral no leite materno permite que o incentivo ao aleitamento não seja contra-indicado em função da infecção pelo HCV.

Estudo clínico, laboratorial e histológico em doadores de sangue anti-HCV positivos / Clinical, biochemical, and histologic research in anti-HCV positive blood donors

Com o presente trabalho pretendeu-se verificar, em um estudo prospectivo clínico-bioquímico-histopatológico, o grau de comprometimento hepático causado pelos vírus da hepatite C em doadores de sangue. Uma amostra de 60 indivíduos anti-HCV ELISA 2 positivos, confirmados por RIBA 2 ou PCR, dentre 37.335 doadores consecutivamente rastreados durante o biênio 93-94, foram submetidos a determinaçôes sanguíneas das chamadas provas de funçäo hepática e submetidos à punçäo-bipsia hepática segundo a técnica de Menghini. Em relaçäo aos exames laboratoriais, a alanina-aminostransferase foi o teste que mais frequentemente se mostrou alterado, fazendo-o em quase 2/3 dos casos, ao passo que a análise histológica demonstrou a presença de hepatopia crônica em cerca de 80 por cento da amostra. Foi observada forte associaçäo entre elevçäo desta enzima e presença de hepatopatia crônica, embora a intensidade desta elevaçäo näo se correlacione com a gravidade da lesäo histológica

Valvoplastia pulmonar com cateter baläo na estenose pulmonar valvar calcificada / Pulmonary valvuloplasty with a balloon catheter in calcified pulmonary valve stenosis

Desde o primeiro relato de valvoplastia pulmonar, o método vem sendo utilizado com grande freqüência, tornando-se procedimento de escolha na estenose pulmonar valvar isolada. A experiência de valvoplastia pulmonar em adultos com estenose pulmonar valvar calcificada é mínima. Relatamos o caso de paciente de 62 anos, sexo feminino, portadora de estenose pulmonar valvar calcificada, submetida a valvoplastia com cateter balão, apresentando queda no gradiente sistólico transvalvar, comprovando o sucesso pós-procedimento

Since the first pulmonary valvuloplasty report, the procedure has been used frequently, becoming the best option in isolated valvar pulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary valvuloplasty in adults with calcified valvar pulmonary stenosis, however, has been minimal. We have reported the case of a 62 year-old female patient, with calcified valvar pulmonary stenosis, who underwent valvuloplasty with balloon catheter and showed a decrease in the transvalvar systolic gradient, thus proving the success of post procedure