DOES MATERNAL HIV STATUS AFFECT INFANT GROWTH?: A HOSPITAL BASED FOLLOW UP STUDY

Introduction: HIV infection is difficult to diagnose in infants, as most infected babies appear healthy and exhibit no signs and symptoms at birth. The present study was conducted to study the clinical profile & morbidity pattern of infants born to HIV positive mothers, their nutritional status and growth pattern and compare them with HIV non exposed infants. Methodology: This observational longitudinal study was conducted in Dec 2009 – Dec 2010 where all HIV exposed baby born in the hospital (n=44) were compared with suitable sample of HIV non exposed babies (n=140) in context of clinical profile & morbidity pattern. Results: In maternal weight