Nutrition support of the pediatric patient with AIDS.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Nutrition support of the pediatric patient with AIDS.

J Am Diet Assoc. 1987 Apr;87(4):488-91. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87167203
Bentler M; Stanish M

Abstract: Maintaining optimal nutrition in the pediatric patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is challenging, but it may be one of the most effective therapies. Patients experience numerous complications that compromise nutritional status. Infection, fever, diarrhea, feeding problems, and decreased intake all contribute to malnutrition, which in turn predisposes the patient even more to infection and malabsorption. Nutrition assessment should be done routinely so that new problems may be identified and treated. High-calorie, high-protein feedings, vitamin supplementation, and, when necessary, gavage feedings or parenteral nutrition are recommended to improve nutritional status and prevent further deficits. Maintaining optimal nutrition in the pediatric patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) poses a significant challenge to the health care team. Patients may experience numerous complications that compromise nutritional status. The patient is at high risk for opportunistic infections, especially of the lungs, central nervous system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and skin. Such infections are common causes of morbidity and mortality. Impaired nutritional status may further impair the patient's immunocompetence. A study by Kotler and Gaety demonstrated severe progressive malnutrition in adult AIDS patients, with the lowest measures of lean body mass occurring in those patients close to death at the time of the study. While no studies of children with AIDS have been done to date, we have subjectively observed feeding problems, weight loss, and malnutrition in most of the patients we have seen.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/*PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Caloric Intake Case Report Child Child Development Disorders/ETIOLOGY *Child Nutrition Child, Preschool Female Human Nutrition Disorders/ETIOLOGY Nutritional Requirements Nutritional Status Opportunistic Infections/ETIOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

870730
M8770304

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