Follow-up for 3 years of a pediatric population diagnosed in 2018 with mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 8 Latin American countries in the PLANTAIDS cohort
Authors: Vallejo Beatriz Álvarez , Lobo Alicia Hernanz , García Itzíar Carrasco , Pérez Tomás Bruno , Mino-Leon Greta , Pazmiño Judith Rosabel Soffe , Lorenzana Julio Werner Juarez , Drummond Tatiana , del Socorro Pavía Ruz Noris Marlene , del Rocío Muñoz Hernández María , Pérez Dulce María Morales , Estripeaut Dora , Luciani Kathia , Martínez Karen Sobeida Erazo , Villatoro Luis Guillermo Castaneda , Madrigal Oscar Porras , Ivankovich-Escoto Gabriela , Tato Luis Manuel Prieto , Gómez María Luisa Navarro ,   on behalf of the PLANTAIDS network, Obregón Dora Matus , Conejo Pablo Rojo , Amador José Tomás Ramos , Chavez Magda , de los Ángeles Pérez Delgadillo María , Barrios Fanny , Urbina Osbaldo Efraín Obando , Muñoz Greta , Bueno Wendy Paola Serrano , Freire Dolores , Chavez Nelly , Sanchez Yasmin , Layana Marianella , Compagnucci Alexandra , Saïdi Yacine , Riault Yoann , Gattinara Guido Castelli , Hyppolite Tchidjou Kuekou , Esquivel Raúl , Batista Ruth , Norero Ximena , Aguilar Jacqueline , González Ilia Yanira , Quiñonez Gustavo , Gómez Ana Lucía , Rafael Nancy Judith Gálvez 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The frequency of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Latin America has decreased considerably. However, new infections continue to be recorded, and the pediatric population remains one of the most vulnerable groups in this region. The main objective of the study was to describe the clinical, epidemiological and psychosocial characteristics of new diagnoses of HIV MTCT in 2018 in the PLANTAIDS network (Paediatric Network for Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of HIV in Children) during the 3 years following diagnosis.

Methodology
Retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study based on a 3-year follow-up of patients diagnosed with HIV infection due to MTCT in 2018 in 10 hospitals in 8 Latin American countries (Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala and Venezuela). The hospitals belonged to the PLANTAIDS network, which is included in CYTED (Ibero-American Programme of Science and Technology for Development).

Results
The study population comprised 72 pediatric patients (38.9% male). The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 years (IQR: 0.8–5.4). There were 35 cases of opportunistic infections corresponding to 25 patients (34.7%), with tuberculosis being the most common. Adequate childhood vaccination coverage was achieved in 80.5%. There were 3 cases of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and these were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification, the most frequent clinical-immunological stage at all check-ups was C1. Three patients died from opportunistic infections and/or advanced HIV infection.

Conclusions
It is important to diagnose HIV infection early in pediatrics, since early initiation of ART is associated with a decrease in mortality. Despite this, HIV infection has a poor prognosis in children, necessitating adequate follow-up to ensure adherence to health care and ART, although it can sometimes prove difficult in children.