ABSTRACT
Background: The reported geographical differences in the HIV-1 sub-type across the continent and the entire world makes it necessary to investigate whether the clinical presentation and outcome of such presentation can demonstrate differences in the multiple sub- type of HIV-1 infection. To determine whether the clinical presentations and outcome of HIV/AIDS in children in Abuja; Nigeria conforms with reports from elsewhere both within and outside the country. Method: A one- year prospective study of HIV infected children attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH); Gwagwalada; from November 2006 to October 2007;was carried out to determine the clinical presentation and outcome of such presentation in the area. Results: A total of 173 patients were diagnosed with signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and on antiretroviral therapy (ARVT). There were 90 (52.0) males and 83 (48.0) females giving a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Less than 5 years constituted 81.5of paediatric patients seen; with less than 2 years responsible for 52.0of cases; and 11.8being those between the ages of 10-15 years. The commonest presenting complains were that of recurrent fever (80.3); progressive weight loss (77.5); and persistent diarrhoea (69.1). Chronic cough (62.2) and skin rashes (52.7) were equally common. While persistent diarrhoea; oral thrush; discharging ear; and failure to thrive were commoner in children less than two years; generalised lymphadenopathy; skin rashes and parotid swelling were commoner in older children. Mortality rate was found to be 3.5; while WHO case definition for paediatric HIV/AIDS in African setting was found to be sensitive with low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). Conclusion: Clinical presentation of paediatric HIV/AIDS appears similar with reports from other centers in spite of the wide variation in HIV-1 sub-types. Mortality was also found to be low. This was attributed largely to the availability of free antiretroviral drugs (ARVD); potent antibiotics and anti-fungal agents which were made freely available to HIV infected patients. The findings underscore the need for government to extend such services to HIV/AIDS patients across the country as a major way of reducing the sufferings of this scourge in children