The Prevalence and Determinants of Short Stature in HIV-Infected Children

BACKGROUND: Children with HIV infection are often reported to be short. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV-associated short stature in HIV endemic setting. METHODS: Data were obtained by retrospective review of the electronic medical records. Patients were grouped into various clinical categories. For each category the proportion of patients with height-for-age Z score of less than -2 standard deviation [SD] and of less than -3 SD was determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of short stature (less than -2 SD) was 28.4%. Severe short stature (less than -3 SD) is more likely with percentage of CD4 400 copies/mL (OR 2.64 CI 1.27-5.38 P = .008) and poor adherence (<95%; OR 1.72 CI 1.03-2.05 P = .037). CONCLUSION: In Botswana short stature affects a quarter of HIV-infected children and severe short stature is associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment severe immunosuppression and virologic failure.