Differences in factors associated with initial growth, CD4, and viral load responses to ART in HIV-infected children in Kampala, Uganda, and the United Kingdom/Ireland

Abstract

Background: Few studies have directly compared response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) between children living in well-resourced and resource-limited settings. In resource-limited settings non-HIV contributors could reduce the beneficial effects of ART. We compare predictors of short-term immunological, virological, and growth response to ART in HIV-infected children in the United Kingdom/Ireland and Kampala. Methods: We analyzed prospective cohort data from 54 UK/Irish hospitals (the Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study) and Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Six- and 12-month responses are described among children initiating combination ART (≥3 drugs, ≥2 classes). Six months post-ART, predic..