       Document 2648
 DOCN  M94A2648
 TI    Persisting CD4 immunosuppression among non-infected children born to
       HIV+ mothers.
 DT    9412
 AU    Lapointe N; Charest J; Samson J; Boucher M; Hankins C; Delage G; Fauvel
       M; Centre maternel et infantile sur le sida Hop. Ste-Justine,; (Que),
       Canada.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):256 (abstract no. PB0453). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369927
 AB    OBJECTIVE: Increased morbidity has been described in non-infected
       children born to HIV infected mothers. CD4 immunosuppression have also
       been reported and attributed to drug use during pregnancy. This study
       investigates immunosuppression and clinical features in a subgroup of
       non-infected children born to HIV infected mothers. METHODS: From 1981
       to 1994, 157 children born to HIV infected mothers were followed; 69 are
       infected, 70 non-infected and 18 undeterminate. Blood samples were
       obtained at 3 month intervals. Fluorescent microscopy and later flow
       cytometry were used in a double antibody technique with monoclonal
       antibodies (BD). HIV-1 antibodies were tested by ELISA, confirmed by
       RIPA. HIV diagnosis was confirmed by HIV culture and PCR since 1988.
       Clinical status was evaluated at each visit. RESULTS: 63/70 children who
       seroreverted had normal immunological parameters over time in a follow
       up of a mean 84 months (6 to 120 months). Clinically none of these
       children had clinical features compatible with AIDS defining events.
       Many minor clinical problems were noted. 7/70 children had sustained or
       recurrent immunosuppression over time. 4/7 had a persisting low CD4. 3/7
       patients had recurrent low CD4 count (below 500/mm3) over 7 years of
       follow up. 4/7 were twins. None of these children developed symptoms
       compatible with AIDS. HIV ELISA were repeatedly negative after 7 years.
       HIV culture and PCR were negative in all. None of these children were
       born to IDU mothers. CONCLUSION: In 10% of 70 seroreverted children,
       persisting CD4 lymphopenia is noted without detectable HIV. A sub group
       of children born to HIV infected mothers seems to sustain unexplained
       immunological injury.
 DE    *AIDS Serodiagnosis  Child  Child, Preschool  Enzyme-Linked
       Immunosorbent Assay  Female  Follow-Up Studies  Human  HIV
       Seronegativity/*IMMUNOLOGY  HIV
       Seropositivity/DIAGNOSIS/*IMMUNOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY
       Infant  Infant, Newborn  *Leukocyte Count  Male  Pregnancy
       T-Lymphocytopenia, Idiopathic CD4-Positive/DIAGNOSIS/*IMMUNOLOGY  T4
       Lymphocytes/*IMMUNOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

