Survival of Children Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy in Andhra Pradesh, India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the survival probability and associated factors among children living with human immunodeficiency virus (CLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in India.

METHODS: The data on 5874 children (55% boys) from one of the high HIV burden states of India from the cohort were analyzed. Data were extracted from the computerized management information system of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Children were eligible for inclusion if they had started ART during 2007-2013, and had at least one potential follow-up. Kaplan Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure survival probability.

RESULTS: The baseline median (IQR) CD4 count at the start of antiretroviral therapy was 244 (153, 398). Overall, the mortality was 30 per 1000 child years; 39 in the <5 year age group and 25 in 5-9 year age group. Mortality was highest among infants (86 per 1000 child years). Those with CD4 count ≤ 200 were six times more likely to die (adjusted HR: 6.3, 95% CI 3.5, 11.4) as compared to those with a CD4 count of ≥350/mm3.

CONCLUSION: Mortality rates among CLHIV is significantly higher among children less than five years when the CD4 count at the start of ART is above 200. Additionally, lower CD4 count, HIV clinical staging IV, and lack of functional status seems to be associated with high mortality in children who are on ART.