Whether these abnormalities affect survival has not been studied previously. The authors, therefore, performed echocardiograms on 193 children who acquired HIV from their mothers and compared the survival rates of children with and without heart abnormalities.
Factors relating to heart size and heart function did affect survival, the researchers report.
Other abnormalities of heart size carried similar degrees of reduced survival. With monitoring, heart problems would be identified sooner and doctors could start aggressive treatment that may reduce the children's suffering and maybe prolong their lives. 1998 Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.