Pediatric HIV/AIDS is a public health problem in Romania. By December 1997, Romania had reported 4,611 pediatric AIDS cases, representing over half of all European pediatric AIDS cases. Constanta harbored the majority of those cases and thus is known as the epicenter of pediatric HIV/AIDS in Romania and Eastern Europe. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current burden of pediatric HIV infection in Constanta 10 years after the initial epidemic in 1989-90. We conducted a cross-sectional study of all living cases and a cohort of a subset of cases was defined for follow-up. A standard data collection form with demographic, social, clinical, treatment and hospitalization items was completed for each case. A majority of the 762 cases was 7-11 years, of Romanian ethnicity and lived with their parents or relative. Most of the children attended school (81%). HIV transmission was primarily through transfusions and other medical procedures (90%) but, perinatal transmission accounted for 9%. 82% of the cases had moderate to severe disease however, less than half were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Social factors, including parental education and employment were associated with disease severity (p<0.05). Access to ART also predicted disease severity (p<0.001). Pediatric HIV transmission, horizontal and vertical, remains a health burden in Romania; select social factors are related to the health outcome of the infected children; and, not all infected children have access to ART. Underdeveloped countries throughout the world, including Romania, remain in a significant battle against HIV/AIDS.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: 1. List social factors associated with pediatric HIV disease serverity in Romania. 2. List medical factors associated with pediatric HIV disease severity in Romania. 3. Describe the current pediatric HIV epidemic in Romania.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Children
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.