Feasibility and effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected infants in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Background : In the absence of treatment, 50% of HIV-infected children will die before 2 years of age. In a recent randomized controlled trial, a 76% decrease in mortality was observed in infants receiving early combination antiretroviral therapy [1]. The World Health Organization now recommends starting all HIV-infected infants on combination antiretroviral therapy on diagnosis [2]. However, few data are available outside a well-controlled research setting. Purpose of the study : To show the feasibility and effectiveness of treating HIV-infected infants in a state-funded clinic located in a poorly resourced South African township. Methods : A retrospective chart review was performed of all HIV-1 infected infants initiated on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between 1st May 2005 and 31st May 2008 at the Edendale Family Clinic, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. All HIV-1 infected infants who were less than 1 year of age when antiretroviral therapy was initiated, and who had completed at least 6 months of treatment, were included. Weight for age Z scores, CD4 %, viral loads (VL) and haemoglobin were collected on initiation of treatment and at 6-monthly intervals thereafter. Virological success was defined as VL<25 copies/ml, immune recovery as CD4>25%. Z scores were analyzed using Epi-Info. Summary of results : Of 129 treated infants, 94 completed 6 months of cART; 60 completed 12 months and 39 completed 18 months of treatment. Mean age at initiation was 8 months (range 2.1-11.7). 77.2% had advanced disease (WHO Stage 3 or 4). The infants were severely malnourished, with a mean Z-score of -2.4 (range -6.1 - +0.8). Mean baseline VL was 4700 000 copies/ml. After 6 months of treatment, 52.3% of babies had an undetectable VL, with 75% having a VL of < 400 copies/ml. Viral suppression was achieved in 34 (56.9%) out of the 60 infants who completed 1 year of cART and 79.3% had a VL <400 copies/ml. Undetectable VL was found in 78.8% of the 39 children who received 18 m