Assessing the Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on CD4, Hemoglobin Level and Weight in HIV Infected Children (0-15 Years) Residing in Nkambe, North West Region, Cameroon

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has greatly decreased the mortality and morbidity of children living with HIV by reducing the viral load, increase CD4 count thus improving the health of HIV clients. This study seeks to assess the impact of ART on CD4+ Cell Count, weight and haemoglobin level (Hb) in children residing in Nkambe in the North West Region.

Methodology: A total of 130 HIV infected children within the age range of 5 months to 15years were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected and used to measure CD4+ and Hb concentrations. Their weights were taken measured using an electronic balance. Hb levels were used to categorized anaemia while growth was assessed using the z scored of weight for age.

Results: Results showed that there was a significant increase (P=0.00) in the mean CD4+, Hb and weight after ART intervention. The prevalence of non-anaemia was higher 52(40.0%) after intervention compared to 30 (23.1%) at the beginning. After initiation, 30 (23.1%), 46(35.4%) and 11(8.5%) children experienced a decrease in their CD4, Hb and weight values, respectively. Of the 30 children with decreased CD4 count, 30(100.0%) were anaemic and 11 (36.7%) were underweight. More females 47(78.3%) experienced increase in CD4+ count while the male children were non anaemic 29(41.4%) and experienced an increase in weight 61(87.1%). Most children of the age group 6-10 years experienced an increase in CD4+ 26(89.7%), Hb 15(51.7%), and weight 25(86.2%) compared to the other age groups.

Conclusion: The use of ART to treat HIV-infected children is effective as it has improved the health of children. In addition this study reinforces the finding that anaemia, low CD4 and poor growth are common among children living with HIV infection.