Important note: Information in this article was accurate in September 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.AIDSWEEKLY Plus; September 30, 2002
Michael Greer, Senior Medical Writer
"Data from cross-sectional and short-term longitudinal studies have suggested that children infected with HIV-1 might have cardiovascular abnormalities," according to Steven E. Lipshultz and colleagues at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York and other institutions in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Houston, and Bethesda, Maryland.
These cardiovascular complications can persist for months or years after birth, Lipshultz and coauthors found.
The researchers assessed cardiovascular function in 600 infants born to HIV+ women - 93 of whom were vertically infected with HIV - and 195 healthy controls. Participating children underwent cardiovascular exams every 4-6 months for up to 5 years after birth, they said.
Left ventricular (LV) mass and fractional shortening were similar in all groups of infants at birth and shortly after, study data showed. However, vertically infected children suffered from significant reductions in fractional shortening during their first 20 months of life, and significant elevations in LV mass for up to 30 months.
In addition, vertically infected infants had heart rates 10 beats per minute higher on average than healthy children born to HIV+ or HIV- mothers (Cardiovascular status of infants and children of women infected with HIV-1 (P2C2 HIV): A cohort study. Lancet 2002 Aug 3;360(9330):368.
"Vertically transmitted HIV-1 infection is associated with persistent cardiovascular abnormalities identifiable shortly after birth," Lipshultz and colleagues concluded.
The corresponding author for this report is Steven E. Lipshultz, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 631, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. E-mail: steve_lipshultz@urmc.rochester.edu
Key points reported in this study include:
This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.
020930
AW020913
Copyright © 2002 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright © 1980,2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.