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HIV Physician Training Course 2002,
Christian Medical College, Vellore

DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE

NERVOUS SYSTEM

IN

HIV INFECTION

Author: O. C. Abraham

Course Organiser : Anand Zachariah
Distance Learning Expert: Janet Grant, Open University, UK
This course is supported by the European Commission through grant number
IND/B76211/1B/1999/0379 provided to the HIV/STI Prevention and Care Research
Programme of the Population Council India.

MODULE 1

1

MODULE 1

OVERVIEW
HIV enters the brain immediately after infection, is present throughout the
course of the disease, and, in the later stages, often manifests at every level of

the neurological system. Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral
nervous system (PNS) disorders in HIV-infected individuals may result from:

(1) opportunistic infections (OI), (2) neoplasms and (3) primary effects of
HIV itself. The nervous system may also be damaged (4) as a result of the

toxic effects of various treatments.

The primary HIV-associated neurologic diseases include: AIDS dementia,
myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and myopathy. Secondary neurologic

complications include: cryptococcal meningitis, tuberculous meningitis,

neurosyphilis. Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE), progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy (PML), cytomegalovirus (CMV) encephalitis and
radiculomyelitis and primary CNS lymphoma. Both primary and secondary

complications should be considered when neurologic changes are observed in
patients with HIV.

The common presenting symptoms of neurological disease are: (a) headache;

(b) seizures and weakness; (c) limb pain and (d) memory loss. The main

neurological syndromes occurring in HIV infection are: (i) meningitis; (ii)
focal neurological deficit; (iii) peripheral neuropathy and (iv) dementia.

This module aims to improve your skills in approaching these symptoms and

neurological syndromes.

J

MODULE 1

2

OBJECTIVES
After completion of this module you should be able to:

1. List the common HIV related neurological diseases.

2. Recognize the different clinical syndromes and the main causative
agents/disease conditions responsible for these syndromes.

3. Use clinical algorithms to diagnose and manage these conditions.

CONTENTS
Activity

Title

Time (min.)

Page No.

10

3

and Opportunistic Infections

20

34

1.2

Meningitis in HIV infection

10

6

Reading

Approach to meningitis

15

35

1.3

CSF analysis

10

9

1.4

Cryptococcal Meningitis

10

11

Reading

Cryptococcal meningitis

15

36

1.5

Approach to limb weakness

10

15

1.6

CT Scan

10

17

Reading

Approach to

Focal cerebral syndrome

15

38

1.7

Toxoplasma encephalitis

10

19

Reading

Toxoplasma encephalitis

20

39

1.8

Approach to limb pain

10

23

Reading

Approach to neuropathy

15

41

1.9

Neuropathy

10

24

1.10

Approach to forgetfulness

10

25

1.11

AIDS dementia complex

10

28

Reading

AIDS dementia complex

15

42

Tutor marked assignment

60

32

TOTAL TIME (min)

285

1.1

Approach to headache

Reading

Neurological Syndromes

3

MODULE 1

Let us start with an activity for you to learn the approach of
a patient presenting with headache.

Study the table:

"Table:
Neurological Syndromes and Opportunistic Infections in AIDS"
(page 34) in the reader. Once you have finished reading this
you should be able to undertake this activity.

ACTIVITY 1.1

APPROACH TO HEADACHE (10 min)
Mr. S. is a 32-year old truck driver, He was diagnosed to
have HIV infection 8 years ago. He had remained well till

about one year ago, when he started losing weight, He was
seen by a doctor in his hometown who, after tests
revealed

absolute

lymphocyte

count

(ALC)

880

cells/p-L,

had prescribed co-trimoxazole (one double-strength tablet
daily) . He was on no other medicines. He now presents to
your clinic with a 4-week history of headache,

which had

really worsened over the last one week. His wife reports
that he has become progressively drowsy and disoriented
over the last three days.

1.

Which of the neurological syndromes do you think the
patient is suffering from?

- 2

4
2.

Now,

MODULE 1

list your differential diagnoses

(most to least

common) for Mr. S in the space provided below.

Meningitis

Focal cerebral lesion

1.

1.

A

2.
2.

3.
4.

3.

H P^iL

4.

3.

you

What

additional history and clinical

like

to

elicit

in Mr
Mr..

findings would

S to find out

neurological syndrome and its etiology?

HISTORY

EXAMINATION

1.

1.

2.

2.
3.

3.
4.

the

type

of

5

MODULE 1

^FEEDBACK 1.1
1. Which neurological syndrome do you think the patient
is suffering from?
This patient may be having meningitis or a focal cerebral lesion.

The history of worsening headache and worsening sensorium in HIV
infection should make you consider a diagnosis of meningitis. Usually
meningitis is associated with fever but this may not always be true in HIV

infection.
The worsening sensorium and headache should also make you consider a

focal cerebral lesion. This would present with a history of seizures or

focal neurological symptoms (such as hemiplegia). This may therefore be
considered less likely in him.

2. Differential Diagnoses
AAeningitis

Focal cerebral lesion

1. Cryptococcal meningitis

1. Cerebral toxoplasmosis

2. TB meningitis

2. Tuberculoma

3. Syphilitic meningitis

3. Lymphoma

A.Progressive multi-focal
leucoencephalopathy (PAAL)

J

3. History and physical examination
HISTORY

EXAMINATION

1. Seizures

1. Neck stiffness

2. Focal neurological symptoms

2. Level of consciousness
3. Papilloedema
4. Weakness of limbs (focal deficit)

6

MODULE 1

5.

Skin involvement (cryptococcal

infection)

6. Lung signs, lymphadenopathy (TB
or cryptococcal infection)

Before you undertake the next activity study the figure:

^Approach to patient with meningitis in HIV infection"

(page 35). Then start the activity.

ACTIVITY 1.2
MENINGITIS IN HIV INFECTION (10 min)
On

physical

pulse

rate

examination,

Mr.

S

appears

emaciated.

is

blood

pressure

140/95

72/min,

His

mmHg,

7

temperature 38 ° C (100.4° F) . He is very drowsy, localizes
pain and opens eyes to pain. He appears pale, but has no

lymphadenopathy. Oral thrush is present and there are few
umbilicated, papular skin lesions on the face

(see photo

1A page 44) and anterior chest wall.

of

normal.

examination shows

CNS

neurological

9

cardiovascular,

Examination

deficits,

respiratory

system

no papi11edema,

bilaterally

reflexes and terminal neck stiffness.

extensor

no

are

focal

plantar



7

MODULE 1

w

1.

What is your diagnosis? What is the reason you are

considering this diagnosis?

1.Diagnosis:

2. Reason for diagnosis:

tT?r




'/.SA*

2. What tests will you order to confirm your diagnosis
and rule out other differential diagnoses?

1.

1

2.

c j

3.
4.
5.

JU.

z

o

X

8

MODULE 1
»

FEEDBACK 1.2
1.

What is your diagnosis? What is the reason you are

considering this diagnosis?

Diagnosis: Cryptococcal meningitis

Reason for diagnosis: Molluscum-like skin lesions should make think of
cryptococcal infection.

2. What tests will you order to confirm your diagnosis

and rule out other differential diagnoses?
1. CSF - opening pressure

2. CSF -total and differential WBC count
3. CSF - Gram stain, India ink test, Cryptococcal antigen (if available),
AFB smear

4. Blood and CSF VDRL
5. Routine bacterial, fungal and mycobacterial cultures (if available)

—t3 A
______—-—

>

<

"

9

s

MODULE 1

ACTIVITY 1.3

CSF ANALYSIS (10 min)
A

lumbar

puncture

was

done

for

Mr.

S.

The

opening

pressure was 290 mm water. His CSF analysis showed 8 WBC

(all lymphocytes), glucose 30 mg/dl and protein 95 mg/dl.
1. What is the differential diagnosis of the CSF picture?

2.

The

(page

India

44) .

ink preparation

Describe

organism.

Description -

Identification

what

is

you

shown

see

in the photo

and

identify

IB
the

MODULE 1

10

^FEEDBACK 1.3

1. What is the differential diagnosis of the CSF picture?
The CSF shows: mildly increased WBC count and protein and low glucose

(<40 mg/dl). The differential diagnosis includes:

Cryptococcal meningitis
TB meningitis
Syphilitic meningitis

2.

Describe what you see and identify the organism

Description - Budding yeast like organism with capsule surrounding it.

Identification

-This

is

the

typical

appearance

of

Cryptococcus

neoformans
A positive India Ink test is confirms the diagnosis of cryptococcal
meningitis. A negative test does not rule out the diagnosis.

MODULE 1

11

Before you undertake the next activity read ^Cryptococcal

Meningitis"

(page 36) in the reader.

ACTIVITY 1.4
CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS (10 min)
1.

The

relatives

of

the

patient

ask

you

what

the

prognosis of the patient is like. Would you describe the

prognosis to be good or poor?

I'

'xJk. f

2. Which therapy would you choose for Mr. S.
Drug:

?

Dose:

Duration:
i

Total cost:
i

Hr

12
3. Mr.

S

MODULE 1

's

sensorium worsens on treatment and headache
and
vomiting
increase.
What
additional
therapeutic
intervention would you perform?

4. What side effects of treatment will you monitor for
and how will you manage these?

13

MODULE 1

^FEEDBACK 1.4

\

1. Would you describe the prognosis to be good or poor?
Poor prognosis: low CSF cell response, India Ink positive, extra-neural

disease, altered consciousness, low CSF glucose
2. Which therapy would you choose for Mr. S?

Amphotericin 0.7 mg/kg/day (IV) with Flucytosine 100 mg/Kg in 4 divided
doses (orally) for 2 weeks followed by fluconazole 400 mg Ob (orally) for

10 weeks.
Maintenance therapy 200 mg Ob life long
In view of the poor prognostic features Amphotericin therapy is
preferred. If flucytosine is not available, then Amphotericin alone can be

given for 2 week alone followed by fluconzole.

To start Amphotericin give first dose 1 mg in 100 ml 5% dextrose over 1

hour, monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes. If no serious adverse events

occur, this is followed 4 hours later with 0.7 mg/Kg in 500 ml 5%
dextrose infusion over 4-6 hours.
Total cost of Amphotericin (2weeks) followed by fluconazole (10 weeks):

Rs. 7900.
If he cannot afford Amphotericin treatment then oral

fluconazole may

be an alternative option. In a patient without poor prognostic features

oral fluconazole may be considered one of the first options. It has fewer
side effects is less costly and can

be administered in the outpatient

setting.
3.Mr.

S

vomiting

's

sensorium worsens

increase,

would you perform?

What

on

treatment

additional

and

therapeutic

headache

and

intervention

14

MODULE 1

In view of the elevated CSF pressure >280 mm a

therapeutic lumbar puncture is recommended at 2-3 day intervals
removing 10-20 ml CSF at a time. Following therapeutic LP the closing

pressure should be checked.
4. What side effects of treatment will you monitor for and how
will you manage these?

Amphotericin

Febrile reaction- Aspirin or paracetamol. Can be reduced by administering
hydrocortisone 10-50 mg prior to the infusion.

Hypotension, nausea and vomiting 1-3 hours post-infusion (initial test dose
may predict patients who develop hypotension)
Nephrotoxicity- Monitor creatinine twice a week. Reduce dose or stop if

creatinine > 3 mg/dl, Prevent by ensuring hydration, normal saline infusion
1 L/day, avoid concurrent nephrotoxic drugs.
Hypokalemia- check K+ 2 times/week; correct with oral KCI

Anaemia-does not require dose alteration.
Phlebitis or pain at the infusion site- may be prevented by using central
line.

15

MODULE 1

ACTIVITY 1.5
APPROACH TO LIMB WEAKNESS (10 min)
Mr.

G,

works

a

as

butcher.

He

was

detected

to

HIV

be

seropositive 5 years ago, when he attended an STD clinic
for

recurrent

genital

herpes progenitalis.

ulcers

which

Two years ago,

were

he was diagnosed to

have tuberculous

lymphadenitis

(cervical),

was

on

anti-tuberculous

therapy

year

(3HREZ/9HR).

regular

prophylaxis,

He was

as

diagnosed

for which he
(ATT)

for

one

also prescribed co-trimoxazole

which he discontinued after

the

course of

ATT was over. One week ago, he had an episode of seizures

involving the

right

side of face

while working in his shop.
recurrent

seizures

noticed progressive

and

and right upper

limb

Over the next few days he had

could not

weakness

of

attend work.

right

upper

He

also

and

lower

limbs over the last two days. When seen in the clinic, he

was

confused,

restless

and

examination

revealed

motor

aphasia and right-sided hemiparesis.

1. Which type of neurological syndrome does this patient

have? Write down the differential diagnosis in order of
probability.

Neurological syndrome:

Differential diagnosis:

I

'A?

16

MODULE 1

^FEEDBACK 1.5
i. Which type of neurological syndrome does this patient

have? Write down the differential diagnosis in order of

probability.

Focal cerebral lesion- in view of the focal neurological deficit. The right

side hemiplegia and motor aphasia localize the lesion to the left frontal

lobe.
Differential diagnosis'.

T.E.
Tuberculoma
CNS lymphoma

Progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopthy

Toxoplasma encephalitis would be the most likely diagnosis because it is

the commonest cause of focal cerebral lesions in PLWHA. Also, he had
discontinued prophylaxis (co-trimoxazole) which may have resulted in

reactivation of latent infection.

Before

doing

the

next

exercise

study

the

figure,

^Approach

to focal

(page 38) .

Once you have finished reading you are ready

cerebral

to start the exercise.

syndrome in HIV infection"'

17

MODULE 1

ACTIVITY 1.6
CT SCAN (10 min)
Study the

Photo

1C

(see page 44)

which is a brain CAT

scan (contrast plus) image of Mr. G.
1. Describe the appearance of these lesions.

Site Shape -

Isodense/hypodense/hyperdense -

Pressure effect and oedema

2.

What

are

all

the

differential diagnoses

of

lesions

with similar appearance on CAT scan?

3. Which blood test will help you identify which of these
diagnoses Mr. G is likely to have?

MODULE 1

18

^FEEDBACK 1.6
1.

Given

images

of

below

is

the brain

CAT

scan

Mr.

G.

Describe

the

appearance

(contrast

plus)

of

these

lesions.
Multiple ‘ring-enhancing' (a hypodense lesion which enhances on contrast
administration only along the periphery) lesions with surrounding edema

and mass effect.

2.

What

are

all

the

differential

diagnoses

of

lesions

with similar appearance on CAT scan?


Toxoplasma encephalitis



Primary CNS lymphoma



CNS tuberculoma



Neurocysticercosis

Brain abscess


Glioblastoma and other brain tumours

3. Which blood test will help you identify which of these
diagnoses Mr. G is likely to have?

IgG toxoplasma antibody titre. The absence of these antibodies excludes

the diagnosis of toxoplasma encephalitis. The presence of antibodies with
a ring enhancing lesion on the CT scan should lead to a presumptive
diagnosis of toxoplasma encephalitis.

19

Prior

to

doing

the

next

MODULE 1

exercise

read.

"Toxoplasma

encephalitis" (page 39) in the reader. Following this you

can proceed to the next exercise.

ACTIVITY 1.7
TOXOPLASMA ENCEPHALITIS (10 min)
i.

Mr.

Gz s

anti-toxoplasma antibody test

could not be

done, as it was not available in the hospital laboratory.
What treatment will you start for Mr. G?

Drugs

4'

/

ct

T
0-

Dose:

4 Pr

>

Side- effects

Secondary prophylaxis -

Cost:

^-7

<ro

7

20
2.How will

you

MODULE 1

follow up the

treatment? How quickly do
you expect a response to treatment?
I -

/

r

3. If Mr. G fails to improve what will you do next?

7^7 /s C

21

MODULE 1

FEEDBACK 1.7
1.

Mr.

done

G's

anti-toxoplasma

it

was

as

not

antibody

available.

What

could not

be

treatment will

you

test

start for Mr. G?

Drugs, dose and duration
Pyramethamine 100-200 mg stat followed by 50-100 mg 00

(Available is AAetakelfin -each tablet contains 25 mg Pyrimethamine)

Sulphadiazine 1-1.5 G q6h
Folinic acid 10-15 mg OD (If too expensive T. Folic aicdin higher doses
may be used).
All for 3-6 weeks followed by secondary prophylaxis.
Alternative treatment - Co-trimoxazole (TMP 5 mg/Kg BO)

Secondary prophylaxis - Sulphadiazine 500 mg- 1G gid,
Pyramethamine 75-100 mg 00, Folinic acid 10-25 mg 00 (life long)

Side effects - Orug rash, drug fever, crystalluria, anemia, bone marrow

suppression

Cost: (8 tablets of sulphadiazine + 4 tablets of metakelfin/day for 6
weeks)- Rs. 8048

2.

How will you follow-up the treatment? How quickly do

you expect a response to treatment?

Follow-up treatment by clinical response
Response is usually seen in 7-10 days. CT scan at 2 weeks is advised if the

22

MODULE 1

test is available and cost of test permits it being repeated.

3. If Mr. G fails to improve what will you do next?
If Mr. G fails to respond it may indicate a diagnosis other than

toxoplasma encephalitis. The lesion needs to be biopised using stereotaxic
brain biopsy at a higher centre. However studies have shown that the

etiological diagnosis obtained through brain biopsy are not readily
treatable. Therefore the clinical usefulness of brain biopsy in focal

cerebral lesions non-responsive to anti-toxoplasma treatment may be low.

23
Before

doing

the

next

MODULE 1

exercise

study

the

figure:

Approach to neuropathy with HIV infection"’ (page 41).

completion

of

the

reading,

you

can

start

the

On

next

exercise.

ACTIVITY 1.8
APPROACH TO LIMB PAIN (10 min)
Mr.

P.

is a bank manager, who was diagnosed to have HIV

infection 3 years ago.

antiretroviral
Efavirenz)

has

He was started on highly active

therapy

(Stavudine,

six months ago.

Didanosine

and

For the past two months,

noticed burning pain and a sensation of

"pins

he
and

needles", beginning on the fingers and toes and gradually

ascending till the level of the wrists and knees. He is a
non-smoker,

does

not

consume

alcohol

and

is

not

a

diabetic or hypertensive.

1. What is the diagnosis that explains Mr. P's symptoms?
-

2.

<>

Mention

the

differential

diagnosis

of

neurological syndrome and its most likely etiology?

this

24

MODULE 1

FEEDBACK 1.8
1. What is the diagnosis that explains Mr. P's symptoms?

Peripheral neuropathy, paresthesias of glove and stocking pattern

2.

Mention

the

differential

diagnosis

of

this

neurological syndrome and its most likely etiology?
Drug induced neuropathy by stavudine and ddl

Other causes- Other ARV drugs, INAH, alcohol, HIV induced neuropathy,
CAAV induced neuropathy, B12 deficiency, other associated conditions

eg. Diabetes AAellitus

ACTIVITY 1.9
NEUROPATHY (10 min)
Refer back to Mr. P's case in activity 1.8.

1. What treatment can you offer for Mr. P?

25

MODULE 1

FEEDBACK 1.9
1. What treatment can you offer for Mr. P?

Provide drug holiday - stop all ARV drugs together.
Reduce dose

Change regimen - use a non-ddl and d4T containing regimen

Loose footwear

Graduated walking
Soaking feet in ice

Drug treatment:
Paracetamol / Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Tricyclic anti-depressants
Opioid analgesics

Carbamazepine

ACTIVITY 1.10

APPROACH TO FORGETFULNESS (10 min)
Mr.

S. r

a

28-year

old lorry cleaner,

was

diagnosed to

have AIDS 6 months ago when he presented with weight loss
and

chronic

diarrhea

due

to

isosporiasis.

He

had

symptomatic improvement after a course of co-trimoxazole
and loperamide treatment.

His wife had noticed that the

patient had become increasingly forgetful over the last

couple of months. She had also noticed slowness of gait,

26

MODULE 1

deterioration of his handwriting and that S.
very withdrawn.

had become

She had not noticed any fever, headache,

seizures

or

aphasia.

Physical

neurological

deficits

examination

like

revealed

hemiplegia
a

thinly

or

built

male, who was conscious and alert. His recent memory was
impaired

and

concentration.
movements.

he

poor

had

attention

span

and

He was unable to perform fine repetitive

There

were

no

focal

neurological

deficits,

papilledema or signs of meningeal irritation.

1. What

type

of neurological

syndrome

do

you

think

the

patient is suffering from?

2. What is the differential diagnosis of this syndrome in
order of probability?

1.

2.

<4,

3.

‘ £

4.

7A

3. What investigations would you order? Why?
c

(csp
/J.

1 ^1

27

MODULE 1

FEEDBACK 1.10
1. What type of neurological syndrome do you think the
patient is suffering from?
Dementia - the patient's symptoms are impaired memory, attention and
concentration and motor difficulty.

2. What is the differential diagnosis of this syndrome
in order of probability?
1. HIV associated dementia complex

Toxoplasmosis, PAAL and severe depression (pseudo-dementia) can present
as dementia like picture

3. What investigations would you order? Why?
CSF - to rule out chronic meningitis
CT scan brain or AARI - to rule out focal cerebral lesion

MODULE 1

28
Before

proceeding

to

Dementia

Complex"

(page

the

next

42)

in

activi ty

the

read:

reader.

After

"AIDS
you

complete this go on to your next activity.

ACTIVITY 1.11
AIDS DEMENTIA COMPLEX (ADC) (10 min)
The CT scan of brain (C+) study did not show any focal
lesions.

There was bilateral cortical atrophy. The CSF

showed 8 cell/mm3 CSF protein 70 mg/dl and CSF glucose

80 mg/dl.

What

treatment

dementia?

may

be

effective

in

reversing

his

29

MODULE 1

^FEEDBACK 1.11
What

treatment

may

be

effective

in

reversing

his

dementia?

Highly active anti-retroviral treatment is the only definitive treatment

for this condition. AZT and stavudine should be among the drugs that are
used as they cross the blood brain barrier more effectively.

30

NOTES

MODULE 1

31

NOTES

MODULE 1

34

MODULE 1

»

READINGS

N:

Table 1: Neurological Syndromes and Opportunistic Infections in AIDS
Syndrome

Clinical features

Etiology

Meningitis

Headache

Cryptococcosis

Fever

Tuberculosis

Nausea/ vomiting

Syphilis

Altered consciousness

Neck stiffness
Focal cerebral lesions

Headache

Toxoplasmosis

Focal neurological deficits Tuberculosis/tuberculoma
(hemiplegia, hemianopia)

Cysticercosis

Seizures

Progressive multifocal

leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Lymphoma
Encephalitis

Cognitive impairment

CMV

Psychiatric features

Altered consciousness
Dementia

Cognitive impairment

HIV

Psychomotor slowing
Behavioural disturbances

Myelitis

Paraparesis

CMV

Sensory changes

HIV

Sphincter disturbances .

35

MODULE 1

FIG. 1 - APPROACH TO MENINGITIS IN HIV INFECTION
Headache
± Fever

± neck stiffness
Does the patient have focal neurological deficits?

Yes
______________

See next algorithm

No
Lumbar puncture:

Opening pressure, WBC - Total & Differential
Glucose, Protein
Gram stain, acid fast stain,

India ink preparation, Cryptococcal antigen
Routine culture, fungal, and mycobacterial

culture (if available)

Serum and CSF VDRL

India Ink positive

Increased cells/protein

~--------------------------Increased cells/Proteins/

Cryptococcal Antigen positive,
Culture positive for Cryptococcus

VDRL positive

VDRL negative

Cryptococcal meningitis

Syphillitic meningitis

4-

Evidence of TB elsewhere
TB meningitis

36

MODULE 1

CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

Cryptococcosis is a systemic or CNS fungal infection caused by the organism
Cryptococcus neoformans. The commonest manifestation is meningitis (cryptococcosis

is the most common cause of meningitis in AIDS). Other manifestations are skin

lesions (flesh coloured, umbilicated papules resembling molluscum contagiosum),
pulmonary manifestations and fungemia.

The organism is ubiquitous, but particularly plentiful in soils enriched with bird
droppings.

The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis in PLWHA is estimated to be 6 - 10% in the

US. It is much more frequent in Africa and India, probably because of the increased
environmental exposure to the pathogen. It occurs in HIV-positive patients with CD4

cell counts <100/ p.L.

Clinical manifestations and Diagnosis: (See further reading) Patients present with
headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. The onset of symptoms is subacute over 7 -

14 days. Confusion and impaired consciousness occur in later stages. Signs of
meningeal irritation (neck stiffness, Kernig's sign) are unusual (<40%). The diagnosis

is confirmed by CSF examination. Positive India ink staining or CSF cryptococcal
antigen will provide rapid diagnosis, which is confirmed by CSF culture. In

situations where CSF culture and cryptococcal antigen are not available, India Ink

test may be used as the confirmatory test.

Prognosis: It is associated with 100% mortality without specific anti-fungal

treatment. Poor prognostic features include a high opening pressure of CSF, low CSF

glucose levels, CSF cell count <20 leukocytes/mm3, altered mental status, positive
India ink preparation and cryptococci isolated from extra-neural sites.
Treatment:

a. Severe cases (high opening pressure of CSF, low CSF glucose levels, <20
leukocytes/mm3, altered mental status,); Admit for 2-week induction with

Amphotericin B intravenously, 0.7 mg/kg/day, (with or without flucytosine 100
mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses).

37

MODULE 1

b. Mild cases: Fluconazole 800 mg p.o. loading dose, followed by 400 mg p.o. once
daily x 8 weeks.

Maintenance therapy: Fluconazole by 200 mg once daily (indefinitely)

Management of elevated CSF pressure:

If initial opening pressure >250 mm CSF, repeat LP at 1-3 day intervals as needed for
pressure reduction; removing 10-20 ml of fluid may be required. Check closing

pressure. Occasionally, lumbar drains or ventricular-peritoneal shunt may be
indicated if raised intra-cranial tension is refractory to medical treatment (consult

Neurosurgery).

I \
\ ' \

n

38

MODULE 1

FIG. 2 - APPROACH TO FOCAL CEREBRAL SYNDROME

IN HIV INFECTION

Hemipariesis
Monopariesis
Cranial nerve deficit

Seizures

CAT Scan & M R I

Multiple ring enhancing lesion

Atypical lesions

No lesions

Brain biopsy

CSF examination

Toxoplasma antibody positive

Toxoplasma encephalitis

$

39

MODULE 1

TOWPLASMA ENCEPHALITIS
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite which causes latent infection of

central nervous system worldwide in the normal population. In patients with

severe defects in the cellular immune response such as HIV infection, the
parasite can become reactivated. HIV patients are at risk of developing

toxoplasma encephalitis at CD count <100/pL. The infection of the CNS is
multi-focal causing pathology of enlarging nodules and areas of necrosis with

predeliction for the cortex and basal ganglia. The primary neurological

presentation of toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) is a focal cerebral syndrome.

Studies from other countries have shown that nearly half of AIDS patients
who are toxoplasma antibody positive will develop TE. In our own hospital
TE is the fifth most common discharge diagnosis for patients with

HIV

infection. TE can be effectively prevented by primary prophylaxis with

cotrimoxazole or sulphadiazine with pyrimethamine.

Clinical manifestations and Diagnosis:
Toxoplasma encephalitis presents subacutely (over weeks) with symptoms of

headache, fever, altered mental status(70%), hemipariesis or other focal signs
(60%) and seizures (30%). It occurs in advanced

immunodeficiency

(CD<100/pL).
The diagnosis is based on: (a) CT/MRI imaging showing multiple ring

enhancing lesions in the basal ganglia and cortex often with mass effect and
(b) IgG toxoplasma antibody titre positive. A negative CT/MRI scan rules out

the diagnosis of TE. The differential diagnosis of ring enhancing lesions
includes: lymphoma brain, tuberculoma, cryptocococcis, neurocysticercosis,

brain abscess and brain tumours. In patients with advanced HIV infection, TE
is the most frequent cause of ring enhancing lesions.

40

MODULE 1

Prognosis: 85% respond to specific therapy usually within 7 days. Failure to
respond within 7 days should make you consider an alternative diagnosis and

is an indication for brain biopsy.

Treatment:
Pyrimethamine 100-200 mg stat, then 50 — 100 mg daily

Folinic acid 10 mg OD+ Sulfadiazine 4-6 G/day x 6 weeks
AlternativesPyrimethamine + Folinic acid + Clindamycin or
Primethamine + Folinic acid + Azithromycin or Clarithromycin

Co-trimoxazole (TMP 5 mg/kg BD)

Clinical response usually occurs within 2 weeks

CT/MRI response also occurs within 2 weeks
Corticosteroids are indicated if there is mass effect

Suppressive treatment (secondary prophylaxis)
Pyrimethamine 25-75 mg daily +

Folinic acid 10 mg OD +
Sulfadiazine 0.5 G Q6H daily life long

Primary prophylaxis

Indication: IgG Toxoplasma antibody positive & CD 4 < 100
Bactrim DS I daily

Alternative: DDS + Pyrimethamine + Folinic acid

41

MODULE 1

FIGURE 3 - APPROACH TO NEUROPATHY IN HIV
Burning pain

Tingling and numbness
Decreased sensations

Dropped ankle jerks

Peripheral Neuropathy

No ♦

On

Drug holiday
Reduce dose

> Yes

Change regimen

ddI/d4T

Look for other causes
Drugs
Alcohol
Diabetes

B12 deficiency

Avoid tight footwear

Walk short distance

Soak feet in ice
NSAID/Opiods

Tricyclic anti-depressant
Carbamezapine

42

MODULE 1

AIDS DEMENTIA COMPLEX (ADC)
HIV virus enters the central nervous system early in the infection and infects
macrophages and microglial cells sparing the neurons. The mechanism by
which the virus produces damage to the neurons is not known but is thought

to be due to secretion of factors (cytokines) by stimulated macrophages which

cause neuronal death. As the disease progresses (CD4 count<200/pL)z HIV
produces a slowly progressive encephalitis manifested by (a) cognitive

decline; (b) motor difficulty and (c) behavioral changes. About one-third of
adults and half of children develop ADC in western countries.

The common symptoms are: (a) cognitive decline - decreased attention and

concentration, forgetfulness and slowing of thought; (b) motor difficultyslowed movements, ataxia and clumsiness and (c) behavioral changes-

apathy, agitation and blunting of personality.
In a patient presenting with these symptoms, chronic meningitis and

toxoplasma encephalitis need to be ruled out. The tests of choice are CT/MRI

imaging and CSF examination. In ADC there is mild increase in CSF WBC
count and elevated CSF protein levels. The CT scan and MRI show cerebral

atrophy and the absence of contrast enhancement and mass effect
The definitive treatment of ADC is HAART with drugs which penetrate the

blood brain barrier including zidovudine or stavudine.

43

MODULE 1

REFERENCES
1. Price R.W. (1999) Management of neurological complications of HIV-1 and

AIDS. In Sande M.A and Volberding P.A. (eds) The Medical Management of
AIDS. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia.

2.

Saag M.S.

(1999) Cryptococcosis

and

other

fungal

infections

(Histoplasmosis, Coccidioidomycosis). In Sande M.A and Volberding P.A.
(eds) The Medical Management of AIDS. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia.

3. Subauste C.S and Remington J.S. (1999) AIDS associated toxoplasmosis. In

Sande M.A and Volberding P.A. (eds) The Medical Management of AIDS. W.B.
Saunders Company, Philadelphia.

44
Photo 1A

II '^1«
ft

' '-1
sr;! w

Photo 1B

Photo 1C

MODULE 1

HIV Physician Training Course 2002,
Christian Medical College, Vellore

DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE

HIV
AND

WOMEN

Author: Jessie Lionel

Course Organiser : Anand Zachariah
Distance Learning Expert: Janet Grant, Open University, UK
This course is supported by the European Commission through grant number
IND/B76211/1B/1999/0379 provided to the HIV/STI Prevention and Care Research
Programme of the Population Council India.

MODULE 2

INSTRUCTION SHEET- HIV AND WOMEN (MODULE 2)
1. In addition to this module you will find:

Envelope addressed to Course Coordinator, HIV Physician Training
Program, CMCH, Vellore-632004 which has stamps required for registered

post.

2. After you complete the module tear (a) Tutor marked assignment (page

25); (b) the module evaluation form (at the end of the module) and enclose it
in this envelope. Send it by registered post to CMCH by: December 21, 2002.

1

MODULE 2

OVERVIEW

Women comprise 4 % of adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Most women

are infected at a childbearing age through heterosexual transmission. In India the

prevalence of HIV among pregnant women varies from 0.13 - 1.75 cases/100

pregnant women. The risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) from an HIV

infected mother varies from 25 to 35%. Several interventions including antenatal

screening for HIV infection, anti-retroviral therapy, caesarian section and
avoiding breastfeeding have been shown to reduce the risk of MTCT. Ninety
percent of pediatric HIV infection is due to MTCT and this can almost entirely be
prevented by these interventions.

HIV affected women are also prone to gynecological problems including
infertility, reproductive tract infections and cervical cancer. Special attention has

to be paid to the evaluation, treatment and prevention of these disorders. The

treatment of STD's in women will be covered in Module 8 HIV and STD's.

This module aims to improve your skills in planning out obstetric and

gynecological management of HIV affected women and to develop your clinical
services in relation to these.

OBJECTIVES

After completion of this module you should be able to outline:

1. The steps of organizing an antenatal screening program in your own clinic.

2. The approach to pre-test and post-test counselling in the antenatal setting.
3. How to choose appropriate measures to reduce mother to child transmission

(MTCT) for an individual patient with HIV infection.
4. The steps of initiating anti-retroviral therapy to reduce MTCT.

5. How to choose appropriate contraception for an HIV affected woman.

6. The approach to routine gynecological care of an HIV affected women.

2

MODULE 2

CONTENTS
Activity

Title

Time (min.)

Page

No.

Activity 2.1

HIV Screening in Pregnancy

10

3

Reading

HIV screening in pregnancy

5

27

Activity 2.2

Counselling

10

5

Reading

Informed consent

Patient information sheet

5

38-39

Activity 2.3

HIV Testing strategies

10

8

Reading

Strategies for HIV testing in India

20

40
41

HIV testing strategies
Activity 2.4

MTCT: risk factors

10

11

Reading

Mother to child transmission

15

29

30

Factors which increase MTCT

Activity 2.5

Prevention of MTCT

20

13

Reading

Efficacy of single drug ART

20

31

MTCT -mode of delivery

32

Single drug ART-dosing

33

Combination ART in pregnancy

34

Activity 2.6

Contraception

10

19

Reading

Contraception

15

35

Activity 2.7

Gynecological Care

10

21

Reading

Gynecological Care

10

36

TMA

60

25

Total estimated study time

245

3

Let

us

start

pregnancy"

wi th

a

(page 27) .

short

MODULE 2

reading

"HIV

screening

in

Once you have finished reading this,

you should be able to undertake your first activity.

ACTIVITY 2.1

HIV SCREENING IN PREGNANCY (10 MIN)
Write

down the

advantages

and disadvantages

screening in an antenatal clinic.

UNIVERSAL SCREENING

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

1.

2.

3.

4.

3.

(Uy

-

4.

4

of universal

4

MODULE 2

^^FEEDBACK 2.1

UNIVERSAL SCREENING

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

1. Identifies all women affected

1. Costly

2.Required for program to prevent

2. Requires system for informed

AATCT

consent and counselling

3. Prevents horizontal transmission

3. Requires system for instituting

to partner

measures to reduce AATCT

4. The person can access medical

4. Increased stigma and possibility

care

of refusal of care

The

next

counselling
clinic

of

aims

activity

services
your

you

that

hospital

help

to

or

you

require

think
in

institution.

about

the
do

To

the

antenatal
the

next

exercise you will need to read the following readings.

1.

Guidelines

and

policies

Infection Control Committee,

in

HIV

care,

CMCH

Christian Medical

Hospital

College and

Hospital 2001.

Page 38-39

Informed consent

Page 28

Patient information sheet

Once you have finished reading
next activity.

this you

can

undertake

the

5

MODULE 2

ACTIVITY 2.2

COUNSELLING (10 MIN)
Design a patient information sheet on HIV testing for your

antenatal clinic based on the information sheet given in the

reading.

This may be used as a pamphlet; or it can provide

key messages for a health education program.

HIV

INFORMATION

SHEET

FOR

THE

ANTENATAL

CLINIC

AT

Introduction
'^i’Aa^/
--- j

<^^.0!
yo^ /yA

A>-/
cu-e

What is an HIV test?
V fc-Yf o£ oa<.^
c' Z/

Why is it being done?

/^/LAa/Q .
v 'x

rf r

As
If the test is positive r what treatment can be offered?17
^^P-ZA.

ci'c.Z.,

-■

t'

<-x4

.<Gv.y

^TvA-C*

b <2 -/ /■

A^XAA<zA>A^/x.,^r\n

Reassurance that care will not be refused
~
TTm. c/-^5yAv'’t<v-vM 5
'

Options

more

for

counsellor/ doctor




f—

fn

—^7

Ci/L^'AA



■A

0

detailed

discussion

with

nurse/

Lcv^i/vwJj.

6

______________________ □

MODULE 2

AV FEEDBACK 2.2______________________

Design a patient information sheet on HIV testing for your

antenatal clinic based on the information sheet given in the
reading.

This may be used as a pamphlet;

or it can provide

key messages for a health education program.

Introduction
In the evaluation for your pregnancy we require to screen you for the
following infections'. Hepatitis B, HIV (the infection that causes AIDS)

and sexually transmitted diseases. These infections can be transmitted to

your husband or partner as well as to your child.
What are these tests:
These are screening blood tests that look for evidence of these
infections. If they are positive, then you may require other tests to
confirm the presence of any of these infections.

Why is it being done
If any of these infections are there, we can institute treatments to cure

them or precautions to prevent spread to your child and spouse.
Reassurance that care will not be refused
If any of these tests are positive, then your results will be kept

confidential and will be explained to you or those whom you may want to
be informed. We will ensure that all necessary treatments are provided

to you.
Options for more detailed discussion with nurse/ counsellor/ doctor
If you would like to have more detailed information or discussion please

contact the nurse or doctor.

7

The

next

activity aims

MODULE 2

to help you

identify

the

testing

protocol that you would like to use in your antenatal clinic
of your hospital or institution.

To do

the next exercise,

you will need to read the below readings and also visit the

laboratory which does your HIV test,

Once you have finished

reading this you can undertake the next activity.

1. NACO guideline for HIV testing page 40
Strategies for HIV testing in India page 41

MODULE 2

8

ACTIVITY 2.3

HIV TESTING STRATEGIES (10 MIN)
1.

Which

of

the

testing

strategies

I, II

or

III

of

the

WHO/UNAIDS recommendations are you using in your laboratory?

2. Which type of tests do you use for Al and A2 or Al, A2
and A3 in your laboratory (eg. Rapid test eg. Tridot, ELISA
eg. Genedia, Western blot)?
/

A

A

i) j-

4S -

3. If a result is indeterminate what would you do?

4. What is the cost of testing strategy II and III?

9

MODULE 2

FEEDBACK 2.3

1.

Which of the testing

strategies

I, II or

III will

you

use?
You could use strategy II or Ill depending on the availability of tests

and costs involved.
If you had access only to rapid tests then you would use strategy II.

2. Which tests will you use for Al, A2 and A3?
Strategy II
Al- Rapid test (eg. Tridot, Capillus, HIV spot) or ELISA (eg. Genedia,
Detect HIV, Microlisa)

A2 - Rapid test by another method or ELISA by another method
A3- ELISA by a 3rd method or rapid test by a 3rd method or western blot
test

The sequence of tests that could be done are:
One rapid test followed by 2 ELISAs (Strategy III)
Two rapid tests followed by 1 ELISA (Strategy III)
Two ELISAs followed by one rapid test (strategy III)

Three ELISAs (Strategy III)

Two rapid tests (Strategy II)

One rapid test and 1 ELISA (Strategy II)

3. What would you do if a result is indeterminate at the end
of the algorithm?

Western blot test should be done if you have access to it. Otherwise you

could wait for a period of 2-3 months and repeat the HIV test.

10

MODULE 2

What is the cost of testing strategy II and III?

Strategy II
Two rapid tests - Rs.200

One rapid test + 1 ELISA - Rs.150
Strategy III
Two rapid tests + 1 ELISA - Rs.250
Two ELISAs + 1 Western Blot - Rs. 1,100
Two ELISAs + 1 rapid test - Rs.200

The next activity will help you explain the risks of mother

to

transmission

child

pregnancy.

To do

child

"Mother

to

"Factors

which

increase

reader.

Once

you

have

affected

exercise you

the next

tables:

HIV

a

to

transmission"

risk

of MTCT"

fini shed

undertake the next activity.

will

mother

need to study

(page

(page

reading

during

30)

this

29)

and

in

the

you

can

11

MODULE 2

ACTIVITY 2.4

MTCT: RISK FACTORS (10 MIN)
Mrs .

Saraswathy

antenatal

a

23

for

clinic

year

her

lady

old

first

is

pregnancy

attending

your

14

of

at

weeks

gestation. She had a routine antenatal HIV test and her HIV
ELISA was found to be positive. You have initiated her post­

test counselling and are reviewing her for the second time
after the test report. Mrs . Saraswathy is keen to know what

the actual risk of her baby acquiring HIV infection is and

what she can do to prevent this from happening.
1. How will you explain to her the risks of mother to child

transmission?
Ante-natal

b"- i o Tq

During labour

I 0 —

After delivery- with breast feeding
^^"4 ■

Overall

2. How will you explain to her what she can do to reduce the

risk of mother to child transmission?

f

1.
2.

3.
4.

4-^,^ ■

La

5.
I

12

MODULE 2

%FEEDBACK 2.4

i. How will you explain to her the risks

of mother to child

transmission

Ante-natal

: 5 -10%

During labour

: 10 - 20%

After delivery, with breast feeding : 5 -10%

Overall

: 30 - 45%

2. How will you explain to her what she can do to reduce the

risk of mother to child transmission?

1. Maintain good diet

2. Take vitamins and minerals
3. Continue regular ante-natal care under you
4. Avoid breast-feeding if she can afford to give formula feeding or cows

milk.
5. Use barrier method of contraception.
6. Consider the option of anti-retroviral treatment to reduce MTCT.

The next

measure
next

activity will
to

reduce mother

exercise you

single

help you

drug ART

will

choose

to

the appropriate

transmission.

to child

need to study tables:

to reduce MTCT"

(page

child transmission-mode of delivery"

31)

the

"Efficacy of

and

(page 32)

To do

"Mother

and

to

"Dosing

schedules for single drug ART" (page 33) in the reader. Once
you have finished reading

activity.

this you

can

undertake

the next

MODULE 2

13

ACTIVITY 2.5

PREVENTION OF MTCT (20 MIN)
Choose the appropriate treatment modalities

1.

given in the table below.

prophylaxis and (d)

No.

to

reduce the MTCT

Mode of delivery

(b)

in relation to:(a)ART to mother;

for the clinical settings

(c)

Infant feeding.
ART

Case scenario
22-year old primi

to mother

InfantProphylaxis

Delivery

Infant Feeding

4£_T

gravida with HIV



z-7

»

infection at 12

1

weeks of gestation

HIV

30-year

lady.

infected,

presenting at

’i

2

32 weeks of

gestation

Unbooked lady in

3

Infant

t^r

early labour, rapid

. AJo
HIV test positive

C9

’ I

>)

14

MODULE 2

Unbooked lady

4

delivered

before

HIV

result became available

2.

Calculate the cost of the treatment for the above cases:

SI.

No.

1

2

3
4

ART

Delivery

Infant
Prophylaxis

Feeding

15

MODULE 2

3.

What modifications to the delivery procedure would you
undertake
to
reduce
the
risk
of
mother
to
child

transmission?
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.
4.

Write down:

(a)Advantages of breast feeding

ii.

ill.

/'’Aa <VVUa‘V'

(b)

Factor

which

determines

advice

to

feed:

© Qualifications to the advice to breast feed.
i.
ii.
iii.

breast

16

MODULE 2

- ^FEEDBACK 2.5
1.

Choose

the appropriate treatment modalities

to reduce

the MTCT for the following settings:
No.

Case

Treatment ART

Mode

Scenario

1

12

Infant Prophylaxis

Delivery

Primi

AZT 300 mg bd from 14

at weeks

gravida

of

weeks

or

any

time

Elective

Syrup AZT 2 mg/kg Q6H x 6 wk

C.S. at 38

hrs. of birth

after- wards

weeks

30 yrs lady

AZT 300 mg BD from

Elective

Syrup AZT 2mg/kg Q6H x 6 wk:

at 32 weeks

34 weeks for 4 weeks

C.S. at

hrs. of birth

SA.

2

SA.

38 weeks

Unbooked
3

lady,

early

labour

Single

dose

oral

Vaginal

Syrup AZT 2 mg/kg Q6H x 6 wee

Nevirapine 200 mg stat

delivery

8

with

all hrs. of birth

precautions

to decrease
MTCT

4

Unbooked

Syrup AZT 2 mg/kg Q6H x 6 wk

lady

hrs. of birth or Single dose 2 mg /

delivered

Syrup Nevirapine

before

HIV result

17

2.

MODULE 2

Calculate the cost of the treatment for the above cases:

SI.

ART

delivery

Infant Pro­ Feeding

No.

1

phylaxis

a) From 14 weeks - Rs.7,660 Rs.8-10,000

Rs.403

b) From 20 weeks - Rs.5,745

Rs.1,500
Approx.

c) From 28 weeks - Rs.3,192

2

From 34 weeks - Rs.1,277

Rs.8-10,000

Rs.403

Rs.1,500

3

Nevirapine 200 mg - Rs.19

Rs.2,500

Rs.403

Rs.1,500

Rs.2,500

Rs.403

Rs.1,500

4

3.

What modifications

undertake

to

reduce

to the delivery procedure would you
the

risk

of

mother

to

child

transmission?
1. Elective L5CS if patient can afford it and your set up is equipped.

2. Avoid artificial rupture of membranes, perineal tear, episiotomy, fetal

scalp monitoring, suction cup, forceps application.
3. Avoid umbilical blood sampling
4. Bathe baby immediately after delivery.
5. Avoid emergency Caeserian section.

4. Write down:

18

MODULE 2

(a) Advantages of breast feeding

i. Good nutrition/well balanced easily digestible
ii. Breast milk protection against gastroenteritis and respiratory
infections.

iii. Preservation of gastrointestinal barrier against infection by HIV

(b) Factor which determines advice to breast feed:

Low socio-economic status which may prevent the mother from
being able to give sterile and clean formula feeds or cow's milk.
(c) Qualifications to the advice to breast feed.

i. Exclusive breast feeding (no cows milk or formula feeds) for 4
months.
ii. Treat infections of breast, check for cracking of nipples and oral
candidiasis in the mouth of the child.

iii. Weaning at 4 months with rice or ragi kangi with palladai or spoon.

19

MODULE 2

The next activity will help you to choose

the appropriate

method of contraception for an HIV infected woman.
next

exercise

will

you

need

^Contraception in HIV infection"

to

the

study

(page 35)

in

Once you have finished reading this you can

To do the
table:

the reader.

undertake the

next activity.

ACTIVITY 2.6

CONTRACEPTION (10 MIN)
A 23 year old lady with HIV infection has one 2 year old

child. Her husband is also infected. On discussion with her

regarding contraception she expresses the desire to adopt a
temporary method.

Which

contraceptive

methods

your reasons.

Method of contraception

Reason

would

you

choose

and explain

20

MODULE 2

^WfEEDBACK 2.6

Method of contraception:

Barrier method (condoms) with oral contraceptive pills or IUCD

Reason
Of the temporary methods the most safe are barrier methods but their

efficacy is not high. In addition barrier methods reduce risk of STD's.

Therefore a combination of hormonal contraception and barriers method

may be used. Since it is difficult to sustain motivation to take OCR's
everyday,

IUCD

with

a short

thread

may

be

supplementation with iron to correct anaemia is advised.

inserted.

Regular

21

The

next

will

activity

MODULE 2

you

help

understand

to

the

appropriate gynecological care for a HIV infected woman,
do

the

next

exercise

you

will

HIV

infection"

Gynecological

Care

in

reader.

you

have

Once

need

finished

to

read:

(pages

reading

To

"Routine

36)

in

the

this

you

can

to

have

HIV

the

OPD

wi th

undertake the next activity.

ACTIVITY 27
GYNECOLOGICAL CARE (10 MIN)

30

year

infection

old

Mrs .

3

years

Revathy

was

ago.

presented

She

diagnosed

to

history of vaginal discharge.
On

examination:

there is

curdy white vaginal

discharge

and on the vulva there is evidence of external warts.

1. What tests will you do for her?

VDRL

test

mount

for

is

negative.

trichomonas

The
are

gnonococcal
negative.

The

smear

and

wet

KOH

test

is

positive. The pap smear shows evidence of severe atypia.

2. What treatment will you administer?

22

MODULE 2

5^'FEEDBACK 2.7

1. What tests will you do for her?
Blood VDRL, urine microscopy, vaginal smear for wet mount, gnonococcal

smear, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and pap smear.

2 . What treatment will you administer?

1. T. Clotrimazole 100 mg vaginal pessaries I OD for 10 days.

2. Imodium solution or cryotherapy for warts.
3. Refer for colposcopy and biopsy for the severe atypia to rule out

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

T1

MODULE 2

READINGS

HIV SCREENING IN PREGNANCY

Ninety percent of pediatric HIV infection is due to perinatal and MTCT.
Pediatric HIV infection can be prevented effectively through strategies to

reduce MTCT and perinatal transmission.

Selective or universal screening at antenatal clinics is advised to identify

HIV affected women. Selective screening in women who are known to be at

risk is advised in low prevalence areas but may miss women who are not
aware that they are at risk. Universal screening is advocated in high

prevalence areas but is more costly and associated with practical and ethical
problems. In our hospital universal screening is performed. In your center
you will have to decide your policy based on knowledge of local prevalence,

cost and practicality.

28

MODULE 2

HIV PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET IN THE ANTE-NATAL CLINIC
Counselling and voluntary testing is practiced in the Obstetrics and Gynecology

department at Christian Medical College and Hospital.

In view of the large

number of patients, individual pretest counselling for each woman receiving
antenatal care is not practical. Therefore printed information sheets (in different
languages) are used to provide information about the HIV test to women

attending the antenatal clinic.

Women who request more information are

referred to a counsellor. Any woman who tests positive on an HIV test is referred
to a senior obstetrician for disclosure of results, counselling and further
management. No woman or her family is discriminated against on the basis of
her HIV status.

In the case of a women testing positive, screening of the

husband/partner is recommended before the woman is informed about the test
result. This is done to avoid refusal of screening for HIV by the husband/partner

and the possible implications this may have on the woman.
PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET (Guidelines and Policies in HIV CARE)

Among the investigations required for your care, we may need to test you for the
presence of HIV and Hepatitis B infection. HIV infection spreads through sexual

contact, sharing needles and contaminated blood or blood products. An HIV
positive individual can transmit the infection to the husband/wife/partner. A
pregnant mother who has the infection can transmit it to her child. Therefore it
will help you to know your HIV status and will help us plan your treatment.

We look for HIV infection in your body by testing a sample of your blood. If this

test suggests the presence of the virus in your body, you may have to have
another test to confirm this. If the first test is positive, then it is advisable that
your husband / wife / partner is also tested. Once the test result is confirmed,

we will make the result known to you.
*

Please keep in mind that this test is done for your own and your family's
wellbeing. If this test reveals the presence of disease, then you will be advised

regarding appropriate treatment. Your care will not be compromised if you test

positive. If you have any concerns regarding this test, do not hesitate to discuss

them with the doctor treating you.

29

MODULE 2

MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION
Estimated mother to child transmission (MTCT) rates (%) in breast feeding
and

non-breast feeding populations who have not received

any

intervention to reduce transmission.

TIME

NON-BREAST

BREAST FEEDING TO BREAST

POINTS

FEEDING

6 MONTHS

TO 18-24 MONTHS

MTCT rate (%)

MTCT rate (%)

MTCT rate (%)

Intrauterine

5-10

5-10

5-10

Intrapartum

10-20

10-20

10-20

5-10

5-10

1-5

5-10

25-35

30-45

Postpartum

FEEDING

(< 2 Months)

Post-partum
(> 2 months)
Overall

15-30

The overall MTCT rate provides the actual rate of transmission according

to patient group: non-breast feeding, breastfeeding to 6 months and
breast-feeding to 18-24 months. The rate according to different time points
in pregnancy: intra-uterine, intrapartum, post-partum (< 2 months and >

2months) are estimated rates.

Source: Modified from De Cook et al 2000

30

MODULE 2

FACTORS WHICH INCREASE RISK OF MTCT

HIV disease

Maternal

Obstetric

factors

factors

Increased
Viral load

Malnutrition


Vitamin



Advanced



Drug

resistance

Cigarette



rupture

membranes

STD

Invasive



No

feeding

of

regular fetal

access to ANC


Breast

Premature

smoking

disease



Pre-term

A labour

Low CD4 deficiency

count

Newborn

monitoring

Uterine

Unprotected

sexual

manipulation

intercourse



Abruptio

placenta


Episiotomy



Forceps

• Vacuum

extraction


Emergency

caesarian

section

IUGR

Premature

baby

31

MODULE 2

STUDIES OF SINGLE DRUG ART TO REDUCE MTCT

Drug regimen

076 regime

(See

Article

MTCT (%)

AZT started 14-34 weeks 83%

1

in + IV intrapartum + oral

Readings)

neonatal for 6 weeks

(non-breastfed)
Thai short

(See

Article

AZT started at 36 weeks 8.6%

2

in until

Readings)

delivery

(non­

breast fed) +

Neonatal for 6 weeks

(non-breast fed)

Nevirapine
(See

Article

Single oral dose

3

readings)

in

15.7%

Mother 200 mg in labour

Neonate:

mg/kg

2

within 72 hours of birth
(breast fed)

NY AIDS Institute

Mother: no ART

9.3%

Neonate: AZT within 48
hours

for

standard

duration

(Non-breast fed)
See references for details of study methodology, control groups and efficacy of

reducing MTCT.

32

MODULE 2

MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION: - MODE OF DELIVERY

French cohort

Swiss cohort

Read et al

Elective

Vaginal

Emergency

LSCS

delivery

LSCS

With AZT

0.8%

With AZT

0.1%

Without AZT

8.0%

With AZT

2.0%

Without AZT

8.2%

6.6%

20.0%

11.4%

33

Drug

MODULE 2

DOSING SCHEDULES FOR SINGLE DRUG ART
Ante-natal
Intra-partum
Neonate

(immediately after
birth)

Option 1

AZT 300 mg bd 300

from 14 weeks
Option 2

during labour

AZT 300 mg bd 300

from 36 weeks

mg

mg

during labour

Option 3

q3h 2 mg/kg qid for 6

weeks
q3h 2 mg/kg qid for 6

weeks
2 mg/kg qid for 6

weeks

Option 4

T.

Nevirapine Syr.

200mg

labour

stat

Nevirapine

in 2mg/kg

within

72hr of birth /
oral AZT 2mg/kg

qid for the infant
for 6 weeks
Cost

Tab. AZT 300 mg - Rs.22.80

Tab. Nevirapine (Cipla) 200 mg - Rs.18.86
Syr. AZT (Cipla) 15 mg/5 ml (100 ml) - Rs.100.70

34

MODULE 2

HAART THERAPY IN PREGNANT WOMEN
1. The principles of HAART are the same in pregnancy as in the normal HIV
infected patient.
2. The indications of HAART are: (a) clinical deterioration (opportunistic

infections, constitutional symptoms); (b) immunological deterioration

(CD4 < 500 or < 350 cells/pl); or (c) virological deterioration (>10,000
copies/ml).

3. HAART regimens should consist of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitor (NRTIs) with one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

(NNRTI) or one protease inhibitor (PI).

4. Efavirenz is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its teratogenicity.
5. Nevaripine is better avoided due to increase risk of development of drug

resistance.
6. In patients who are on HAART before pregnancy, discontinuation of all

drugs together until 14 weeks is advised.

The safety of anti-retroviral drugs in pregnancy is not fully established. Therefore

detailed discussion with the patient is required before starting on HAART.

35

MODULE 2

CONTRACEPTION IN HIV INFECTION
HORMONAL

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES EFFICACY



Easy to use



Drug interactions •

Reduces



Increased genital

anemia

HIV shedding





Regular

cycles

High

Cervical ectopy

Need

to

use

barrier contraception
Needs

motiva­

tion to take regularly


Failure due to

low compliance
IUCD



Easy to put in

Increased:

One

HIV shedding

time

motivation

Anemia

• Small thread

STD/PID

reduces

Need

ascending

to



High

use

barrier contraception

infections

CONDOM

Reduces risk •

Best used with

Moderate

of HIV and STD another method

transmission
TUBAL

LIGATION

Permanent

Need

to

use •

barrier contraception

High

36

MODULE 2

ROUTINE GYNECOLOGICAL CARE OF HIV INFECTED WOMEN

1. Perform a pelvic examination and PAP smear every 6 months with careful
vulval, vaginal and anal inspection.
2. Refer for colposcopic evaluation women with any atypia, atypical

squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), atypical glandular

cells of undetermined significance (AGCUS), low grade and high grade
squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL)/ cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia

(CIN) or persistent inflammation (that is unresolved after treatment for
gonococcus or chlamydia ) on any Pap smear.
3. Assess and treat vaginal discharge, genital warts, STDs (the treatment of
STD's will be covered in more detail in Module 8 ,"HIV and STD's).

4. Counsel on STDs, cervical cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV),
contraception, pregnancy and safer sex.
Among the gynecological conditions four are more frequent, more severe and

less responsive to treatment
Treatment

Genital warts

5 % Imodium solution / Cryotherapy - liquid nitrogen

Vaginal

Topical clotrimazole/ miconazole /Nystatin for 10 days

candidiasis

Or T. Fluconazole 150 mg weekly/monthly

for

recurrence of infection (6 doses)

Pelvic

Mild infections:

inflammatory

Doxycycline 100 mg bd

disease (PID)

Metronidazole 400 mg bd for 5 days with T. Ofloxacin

for 1

week or

Tab.

400 mg bd for 7 days
Acute and severe PID:
Admission and parenteral therapy with (Crystalline

Penicillin /Gentamycin/Metronidazole)
Cervical

intra- Low grade - Electrosurgical excision/ Conisation

epithelial

Recurrent / High grade - Hysterectomy

neoplasia (CIN)

37

MODULE 2

REFERENCES

1. Newman M.G. and Wofsy C.B. (1999) Women and HIV disease. In Sande M.A
and Volberding P.A. (eds) The Medical Management of AIDS. W.B. Saunders

Company, Philadelphia.

FURTHER READING
1. Jean Anderson, (ed) (2000) A guide to the clinical care of women with HIV

infection. Health Resources and Services Administration, Maryland.
2. Pitkin R.M. and Scott J.R. (eds) (2001) HIV and pregnancy. In Clinical
Obstetrics and Gynecology 44:1-422.

3. CDC (2001) Revised recommendations for HIV screening of pregnant women.

Preinatal counselling and guidelines consultation. MMWR 50 (RR19): 59-86.
4. Public Health Service Task Force (2002) Recommendations for use of anti­

retroviral drugs in pregnant HIV-l infected women for maternal health and
interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission in the United States.
http://hivatis.org

5. De Cock K.M., Fowler M.G., Mercier E et al. (2000) Prevention of mother to

child HIV transmission in resource-poor countries. Translating research into
policy and practice. JAMA 283:1175-1182.
Translating research into policy and practice. JAMA

2000, 283:9 1175-1182.

38
Informed consent:

Obtaining consent is the basic minimum requixemSnt for HIV testing.

Exceptions to this rule are outlined in Chapter 4. In minors, testing should
1

proceed only with the informed consent of a responsible parent or guardian.
Informed consent cannot be implied or presumed. Obtaining informed

consent involves educating, disclosing advantages and disadvantages of
testing for HIV, listening, answering questions and seeking permission to

proceed through each step of counselling and testing.
The basic steps involved in obtained informed consent are listed

below:
1. Ensure the competence of the individual to understand relevant
information and appreciate consequences.
2. Explain the reasons for HIV testing in that particular instance.

E.g.: For prevention of mother to child transmission, clinical

indications of HIV related disease, hospital policy for selected

surgical procedures.
3. Assess the individual’s understanding of the routes of HIV

transmission. If needed, educate the patient in this regard.
Enquire about the individual’s assessment of their risk of being

positive for HIV infection and reasons for believing so.
4. Explain the components of HIV testing. E.g.: that a blood test
would be done and the details of obtaining the result.

5. Explain that a positive result (or refusal for testing) will not result

in refusal of care. Explain that the result would be kept
confidential.

6. Ensure that the individual understands the above information.

7. Assess whether the individual has any concerns or questions

regarding the above. If the individual does not express any
concerns and consent to the test, proceed with the test.

In busy clinics like ours, information about HIV/AIDS and the test
can be provided by the use of pamphlets, brochures, information sheets

or audio-visual aids. This should be supplemented by one to one
communication between the patient and care provider in all instances to
ensure opportunities for clarifications and expression of concerns.
(Information sheet is given as in Appendix)

The decision of whether to obtain informed consent for HIV testing

in writing is left to the individual department /unit. It is good clinical practice

to document that consent was obtained for testing after providing relevant
information, irrespective of whether the patient signs or not. Observing
the spirit of informed consent is more important than merely obtaining the
patient’s signature.

Informed consent is differ :nt from pre-test counselling. The
former is essential in all instances when HIV testing is done in the clinical
context. Results of sero-surveillance in the institution and surveys of

opinions of individuals tested suggest that the majority of patients are not

at risk for HIV and readily consent to testing, provided the reasons of

testing are explained and confidentiality and the non-discriminatory policies
of the institution are emphasised. Not all patients require or want detailed

pre-test counselling, provided they understand the details and implications
of the test and correctly assess their risk of being positive. It is

recommended that all patients detected to be HIV positive are offered

post-test counselling and a personalised management plan, either by a
senior clinician or by staff at the infectious diseases clinic.

--------------------------------------------------- - --------:-------- L------

6.12.5 Strategies of HIV testing in India

|

Because of the enormous risk involved in transmission of HIV through blood, safety
of blood and blood products is of paramount importance. Since the PPV is low in populations,
with low HIV prevalence, WHO/GOI have evolved strategies to detect HIV infection in different
population
groups
to fulfil different' objectives
(Annexure
6.1).
. . '"
.
. and...................
': '
■;
: : The
’ various strategies,. sG
j
■ i
designated, involve the use of categories of tests in various permutations and combination^
•vil

1.
2.

ELISA/Simple/Rapid tests (E/R/S) used in strategy I, II & III

-J
•H’

Supplemental test like Western Blot and Line Immunoassay are used in problem
cases e.g. in cases of indeterminate/discordant result of E/R/S.

Strategy I: Serum is subjected once to E/R/S for HIV. If negative, the serum is to bq
considered free of HIV and if positive, the sample is taken as HIV infected for all practical
purposes. This strategy is used for ensuring donation safety (blood/blood products;organ;
tissues, sperms etc.). The unit of blood testing reactive (positive) is discarded. Donor is riot;
informed.
;
Strategy II: A serum sample is considered negative for HIV if the first ELISA report*
is so, but if reactive, it is subjected to a second ELISA which utilizes a system different from,
the first one. It is reported reactive only if the second ELISA confirms the report of the first;
This strategy is used for surveillance and for diagnosis only if some AIDS indicator disease’
is present.
Strategy III: It is similar to strategy II, with the added confirmation of a third reactive
ELISA test being required for a sample to be reported HIV positive. The test to be utilized

for the first ELISA is one with the highest sensitivity and for the second and third ELISAgj
tests with the highest specificity are to be used.
‘.2;
Strategy II & III are to be used for diagnosis of HIV infection. ELISA 2 and ELISASj
ought to be tests with the highest PPV possible' to eliminate any chances of false positive!
results. Strategy III is used to diagnose HIV infection in asymptomatic individuals indulging’
in high risk behaviour.

3

J
M

J

Zfl
Chapter 6 - Annexure 1
Schematic representation of the UNAIDS and WHO HIV testing strategies
Strategy I

Strategy II

Strategy 111

-Transfusion/transplant safety
•Surveillance
•JAl

Surveillance
Diagnosis

Diagnosis ..

Al

I
A1 +
7- Consider2
J. positive

A1Report3
negative

A1Report
negative

A1 +

A2

A2

A1+A2^

A1+A2+
Report
positive4

A1Report
negative

A1+A2+

A1+A2/ s

I
Repeat Al and A2
Repeat Al and A2

<

Report
positive4

r

n

I
A1+A2+

A1+A2Consider
indeterminate5

A1-A2Report
negative

I

A1+A2+

A1+A2-

A1-A2Report
negative

A3

A1+A2+A3+

A1+A2+A3- or

Report
positive4

Consider
indeterminate5

A1+A2-A3-

r n

High risk

Low risk

Consider
indeterminate5

Consider
negative®

'Assay Al, A2, A3 represent 3 different Assays
’Such a result is not adequate for diagnostic purposes: use strategies II or III. Whatever the final diagnosis, donations which were
initially reactive should not be used for transfusions or transplants.
• ’Report: Result may be reported.
*For newly diagnosed individuals, a positve result should be confirmed on a second sample.
’Testing should be repeated on a second sample taken after 14 days.
’Result is considered negative in the absence of any risk of HIV infection.

65 '

4

O?>o ]

HIV Physician Training Course 2002,
Christian Medical College, Vellore

DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE

HIV

AND
CHILDREN

Authors : Verghese VP and Cherian Thomas

Course Organiser : Anand Zachariah
Distance Learning Expert: Janet Grant, Open University, UK
This course is supported by the European Commission through grant number
IND/B76211/1B/1999/0379 provided to the HIV/STI Prevention and Care Research
Programme of the Population Council India.

MODULE 3

INSTRUCTION SHEET- HIV AND CHILDREN (MODULE 3)

1. In addition to this module you will find:
a. X-rays 3A-C (in 3 covers required for Activity 3.9).
b. Envelope addressed to Course Coordinator, HIV Physician
Training Program, CMCH, Vellore-632004 which has stamps

required for registered post.
2. After you complete the module tear (a) Tutor marked assignment (page

35); (b) the module evaluation form (at the end of the module) and enclose it

in this envelope. Send it by registered post to CMCH by: December 28, 2002.

4

1

MODULE 3

OVERVIEW
This module we hope will enable you improve your skills in the clinical

management of children of mothers with HIV infection and children having

HIV infection. The module aims to enable you to develop your clinical
services in relation to these two topics.

In India about 1-2% of pregnant mothers are infected by HIV infection and the
rate of perinatal transmission is between 25-35%. Ninety per cent of pediatric

infection occurs through mother-to-child transmission. Paediatric infection
may almost entirely be prevented by anti-retroviral therapy during

pregnancy and in the perinatal period, elective caesarian section, and
avoidance of breastfeeding by the mother.
The newborn infant of an HIV-positive mother should receive 6 weeks of
zidovudine, cotrimoxazole from 6 to 8 weeks of life (PCP prophylaxis) and

routine immunizations. Serological testing can confirm the diagnosis of HIV
infection only after 18 months of age.

The signs and symptoms in HIV infection in children are non-specific and the

commonest presentations are failure to thrive, tuberculosis, persistent
orophryngeal candidiasis and recurrent bacterial infections. Since the

disease progresses faster in children, the affected child may often be the index
case in the family. Maintenance of nutritional status, immunization,
treatment of recurrent bacterial infections and PCP prophylaxis are the keys

to prolonging life in children. Most of the opportunistic infections can be

diagnosed using clinical criteria and treated with commonly available drugs.
Antiretroviral therapy is recommended for all children with advanced HIV

infection and for those with significant immunosuppression especially
those who have access and can pay for the drugs.

2

MODULE 3

OBJECTIVES
After completion of this module you should be able to manage:
1. an infant born of an HIV positive mother
(a) recommendations for breast feeding

(b) opportunistic infection prophylaxis
(c) testing protocol.
2. a child with suspected HIV infection:

Specifically you will learn about
(a) when to suspect HIV infection

(b) how to diagnose HIV infection
(c) how to counsel parents

(d) advice regarding immunization, OI prophylaxis and nutrition
(e) diagnosis and treatment of common opportunistic infections

(f) when to consider initiation of anti-viral therapy

CONTENTS
No.

Title

Time (Min.)

Page

10

4

10

37

15

6

Statement on breast feeding

20

50

Activity 3.3

OI Prophylaxis and immunisation

20

10

Reading

PCP Prophylaxis in Newborn

5

37

of HIV positive mother

5

38

HIV testing in newborn

15

13

15

39

Activity 3.1

Post-exposure prophylaxis for newborn

Reading

Post-exposure prophylaxis for babies

born of HIV positive mothers
Activity 3.2

Breast feeding of child of

HIV positive mother

Reading

WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS

Immunisation for newborn baby

Activity 3.4
Reading

Lab confirmation of HIV infection

3
Activity 3.5 Initial evaluation

MODULE 3
15

15

5

40

clinical categories

10

40

Clinical & Lab Findings

10

41

Reading

Natural History of HIV infection

in children
1994 Revised HIV Pediatric

Classification System:

Activity 3.6

Counselling of family

10

19

Reading

Counselling of HIV positive child

20

43

Activity 3.7

Lab evaluation of HIV positive child
Opportunistic infection prophylaxis

10

21

Lab evaluation of child

20

39

Opportunistic infection

10

47

Activity 3.8 Nutrition for HIV positive child

10

23

Reading

5

44

Activity 3.9 Respiratory problems - recognition

10

25

Reading Respiratory problems

20

45

Activity 3.10 Respiratory problems - treatment

15

29

Activity 3.11 Indications for anti-viral therapy

15

31

10

46-48

60

35

Reading

prophylaxis

Reading

Nutrition of a HIV positive child

Indications for anti-viral therapy

TMA
Total estimated study time

375 minutes

4

MODULE 3

Let us start with
an activity to help you to choose the
appropriate anti-viral prophylaxis for a child born of a
HIV positive mother.
Turn to the reading, nPost-exposure
prophylaxis

for

babies

born

of

HIV positive mothers"
(page 37) . Once you have finished reading this you should

be able to undertake the following activity.

ACTIVITY 3.1

POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS FOR NEWBORN

(10 min)
23 year old Meena is a known patient with HIV infection
who delivered a 2.8 Kg baby boy at home. Meena had not
received any anti-viral therapy during her pregnancy or

delivery.

She has

come to the hospital

to

take your

advice regarding care of the child.

1. What

anti-viral

treatment would you advice

for the

child?

J

cd-

j

o

j (J/. >
Dose-

0-/

h-c
Duration-

If0
'T

x 6 u/L, •

5

MODULE 3

FEEDBACK 3.1
2 . What

anti-viral

treatment would you advice

for the

child?

Drug- Zidovudine

Dose- at 2 mg/kg Q6H or 4 mg/kg bd to be started within 48 hours of

birth.

Duration- 4-6 weeks

6

The

aim

of

this

activity

MODULE 3

to

is

help

develop

you

recommendations for breastfeeding of the newborn child of
a HIV positive mother.

need

to

read

To do the next exercise, you will

^WHO/UNICEF/UNAIDS

Statement

on

breast

feeding" in reader at the end of this module .

Once you

have

the

finished reading

this

you

can

undertake

next

activi ty.

Activity 3.2
BREAST FEEDING OF CHILD OF HIV POSTITIVE

MOTHER (15 min)
Refer back to Meena's case in Activity 3.1.

below

1. Circle

whether

you

would

for

providing

advise

Meena

to

line

of

breast feed or not.

'ZYES^

2. What

NO

/

is

advice?

your

reason

this

7

3. If

your

is

advice

for her

MODULE 3

to

breast

feed,

what

specific instructions would you give Meena?
Breast feeding:
7 ~ ~

Top-up feeds:

Duration of breast feeding:

Weaning:

4. If you were to advise her not to breast feed, what

specific instructions would you give her?
Type of replacement feeding:
c>U--^Aw.
(^'L-Ov

Bottle / Paladai:
I

8

MODULE 3

' ^FEEDBACK 3.2
1. Whether you would advise Meena to breast feed or not.
You would advise not to breast feed.

2.What

is

your

reason

for

providing

this

line

of

advice?

AZT prophylaxis is being used to reduce mother to child transmission.
Breast feeding would reduce the benefit of AZT prophylaxis.
Therefore breast feeding may be withheld.

3. If

your

advice

is

for

her

to

breast

feed

what

specific instructions would you give Meena?

Breast feeding: Exclusive breast feeding

Top-up feeds: No water or milk substitutes

Duration of breast feeding: 4-5 months

Weaning: Abrupt weaning

4. If you were to advise her not to breast

feed what

specific instructions would you give her?

Type of replacement feeding: Cows milk is a cheaper option than
formula feeds.
Bottle / Paladai: Palladai to be preferred to bottle as there is reduced
chance of gastroenteritis.

MODULE 3

9

The

next

will

activity

learn

you

help

about

prophylaxis and immunisation for the new born,

oi

To do the

the

sections

"Pneumocystis carinii prophylaxis in Newborn^

(page 37)

next

exercise

you

need

will

newborn

read

to

baby

of

HIV

positive

the

back

of

"Immunisation

for

mother"

(page

in

module.

Once you have finished reading this information

and

38)

the

reader

you can undertake the next activity.

at

this

10

MODULE 3

Activity 3.3
OI PROPHYLAXIS AND IMMUNISATION OF
NEWBORN (20 min)

1. What OI prophylaxis would you give to Meena's baby?

Drug:

I

Dose:

I*

(rv\

r3

Duration:

a

Infection to be prevented:

2.

Indicate

with

a

tick

AJ)

mark

which

of

vaccinations you would give the baby:

i/DPT

vOPV
-. Hepatitis B
, Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccines

x/ BCG vaccination

Measles

the

following

11

MODULE 3

^FEEDBACK 3.3

1. What 01 prophylaxis would you give to Meena's baby?

drug: Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)
Dose: TMP 10 mg/Kg/day, 3 days a week
Duration: From 6-8 weeks to 1 year

Infection to be prevented: P. carini

2. Indicate below which of the vaccinations you would you
give the baby?

DPT
OPV^

Hepatitis
Haemophilus influenzae typeb vaccines

BCG vaccination^/
Measles

(at 6 and 9months)

MODULE 3

12

The

activity

next

of

diagnosis

HIV

positive mother.

to

read

the

infection^
module.

Once

infection

To do

you

39)

you

in

a

the next

learn

about

baby

born

exerciser

in

have

the

reader

finished

undertake the next activity.

the

lab

a

HIV

of

you will need

confirmation

nLaboratory

section

(page

help

will

of

HIV

at the end of this

reading

this

you

can

13

MODULE 3

ACTIVITY 3.4
HIV TESTING IN NEWBORN (15 min)
i.

test would you

What

order

and when,

to

diagnose

HIV

infection?
kl Ld-O

2.

What

advanced

test

2. A C
can

be

used

for

an

earlier

diagnosis of HIV infection?

- pC

3.

How

months?

can

you

exclude

HIV

infection

earlier

than

18

14

MODULE 3

^FEEDBACK 3.4
i.

What

test

would

you

order

and

when

to

can

be

used

for

diagnose

HIV

infection?

ELISA test at 18 months of age

2.

What

advanced

test

an

earlier

diagnosis of HIV infection?

PCR test for HIV infection which is positive on 2 separate occasions, the

second after 4 months of age.

3 . How

can

you

exclude

HIV

infection

earlier

than

18

months?

If 2 ELISA's after 6 months are negative at Imonth interval of each
other then the diagnosis of HIV infection can reasonably be excluded.

The

next

eval nation
next

activi ty

aims

of

suspected HIV infection.

exercise,

child

you

will

to

teach

need

to

you

read

about

the

To

initial
do

the

sections

^Natural History of HIV infection in children" (page 40),
u1994

Revised

HIV

Pediatric

Classification

System :

15
clinical

categories"

(page

MODULE 3

40)

and.

"Clinical

Findings:

Suspect HIV Infection" (page 41)

the

this module.

end of

Once you have

and

Lab

in reader at

finished reading

these, you can undertake the next activity.

ACTIVITY 3.5
INITIAL EVALUATION OF CHILD (15 min)
5

year

old

Nesan

was

brought

by

his

parents

with

complaints of failure to thrive for the last one year,
poor

appetite,

itchy

skin

lesions

and

recurrent

respiratory infections.
On examination:

Pallor,

bilateral

oral

thrush

generalised

enlargement r

parotid

lymphadenopathy,

papular

urticaria,

hepatosplenomegaly.
Laboratory tests:

Haemoglobin 9 g/dl,

Total WBC count 4200 Lymphocytes 25

Neutrophils 70 Eosinophils 3 Basophils 2.

Platelet count

20,000/cmm. Total protein 6.5 g/dl. Albumin 3 g/dl.

1.

What

clinical

and

laboratory

features

presence of HIV infection in this boy?
Clinical:

7

point

to

the

16

MODULE 3

Laboratory:

r

'9

1 to

2.Nesan's Tridot test and ELISA test were positive. Which

type

of

natural

history

do

you

think

Nesan's

illness

follows?

3.Which clinical stage of the 1994 Revised HIV Pediatric

Classification System do you think he fits into?

17

MODULE 3

FEEDBACK 3.5
1.What

clinical

and laboratory
presence of HIV infection?

features

point

to

the

Clinical:
failure to thrive

itchy skin lesions-papular urticaria
recurrent respiratory infections.

Pallor-anaemia
Oral thrush

generalised lymphadenopathy
bi lateral parotid enlargement
hepatosplenomegaly

Laboratory.
Lymphopenia

Thrombocytopenia

Hypergammaglobulinemia

2.Nesan's Tridot test and ELISA test were positive.
Which
type of natural history do you think Nesan's
illness
follows?

Intermediate progression

18

MODULE 3

3.Which clinical stage of the 1994 Revised HIV Pediatric

Classification System do you think he fits into?

Category B

The next activity will help you learn about counselling

the parentsf laboratory testing and treatment of a child
with suspected HIV infection.

To do

the next

exercise,

you will need to read the section "Counselling the family

of an HIV positive child" (page 30) in reader at the end
of this module.

Once you have finished reading this you

can undertake the next activity.

19

MODULE 3

z treatment and followup:
_

rV^VvUT^

z

ACTIVITY 3.6

COUNSELLING OF FAMILY

i.

How would

you

counsel

parents

the

of

Nesan

in

the

listed areas listed below?

1. Reassurance:

Ia^at^)

Lt ^z'z

I VvAZAXd

—3

2. Explaining diagnosis and prognosis:

3. Screening of parents/siblings:

__ I-

0,

(fveL<^/

t

f/G’-AA I
4 . Tests,

5. Nutrition:
C^Xxr^'v'u

CHa tAzt)

Jk xa-^aX? — VOf H

6. Schooling:
aA-v n

7. Recreation:

>

( (

,'^1a

<

|-vw\ ( 7-aa^c

n

-

20

MODULE 3

^FEEDBACK 3.6
i. How would you counsel the parents of Nesan?

1. Reassurance: regarding diagnosis that it is HIV disease not AIDS;
treatment available; disease will not spread to other children

2. Explaining diagnosis and prognosis: Survival up to 8 years; can be

improved

with treatment

3. Screening of parents/siblings: both parents have to be screened; if

parents are positive the other children need to be screened.
4. Tests, treatment and followup: should come for regular followup

and treatment; importance of 01 treatment and prevention will be

stressed.
5. Nutrition: Discussion on good nutrition vitamins and micronutrient
replacement in improving immune function.

6. Schooling: Should go to school; need not inform the teacher
7. Recreation: can play all games within physical capacity

The

aim

of

will

next:

testing

laboratory

suspected

the

activity

and

infection.

HIV

is

to

teach

you

about

a

child

wi th

exercise,

you

treatment

of

To

next

the

do

need to re-read the section

"Lab Evaluation of the

HIV positive child"(page 39) and "Opportunistic infection
prophylaxis"
Once

you

(47)

have

in reader at

finished

reading

the

end of this module.

these

sections

you

can

undertake the next activity.

C

21

MODULE 3

ACTIVITY 3.7
LAB EVALUATION OF CHILD
OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION PROPHYLAXIS

l.What further tests would you order for Nesan?

)

2.

I

Nesan's

normal.

PPD is

6 mm at 48 hours

and chest x-ray is

He cannot afford to have a CD4 count and viral

load test done.

What treatment would you initiate for Nesan?

t>-

3 . What 01

prophylaxis would you start?

22

MODULE 3

FEEDBACKS.?
l.What further tests would you order for Nesan?

PPD and Chest X-ray

2.

Nesan's

normal.

PPD is

6 mm at 48 hours

He cannot afford to have

and chest x-ray is

a CD4

count and viral

load test done.

What treatment would you initiate for Nesan?

Papular urticaria- Liquid paraffin and anti-histamines
Oral candidiasis- Topical clotrimazole or Syr. Fluconazole

3.What 01 prophylaxis would you start?

PCP- Bactrim TAAP 10 mg/Kg/day in 2 doses for 3 consecutive days/week
TB - Rifampicin 10 mg/Kg/day and INAH 5 mg/Kg/day for 6 months

The

next

activi ty

will

help

you

to

1 earn

about

nutritional therapy for a child with HIV infection.

To do

the

next

exercise ,

"Nutrition

of

a

you

will

HIV positive

need

to

read

the

child"

(page

44)

reader at the end of this module.

reading

activi ty.

these

sections

you

can

sections
in

the

Once you have finished
undertake

the

next

23

MODULE 3

7

_^ACTIVITY 3.8

NUTRITION FOR HIV POSITIVE CHILD

What nutritional advice would you suggest?

) -h

gu
Lv^'

‘L

1

J

Ovo nAA>vA^u>^X/

iL

P
'< 'yb-^

24

MODULE 3

FEEDBACK 3.8

What nutritional advice would you suggest?
Nutritional monitoring
Dietary advice -Calories 150-200 Kcal/Kg/day

Protein 2-3 g/Kg/day
Vitamins and micronutrient - Vitamin A, zinc and iron supplementation

Lactose free diet for chronic diarrhea and secondary lactose intolerance.

Nasogastric feeding in a case of severe malnutrition.

The next activity aims

to

teach you about

the clinical

diagnosis of common opportunistic infections. To do the
next exercise, you will need to read the sections
"Respiratory Problems"

this

module.

Once

you

(page 45) in reader at the end of

have

finished

reading

sections you can undertake the next activity.

these

25

MODULE 3

ACTIVITY 3.9
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS - RECOGNITION
1.Read

the

case

scenarios

in

column.

Match

Study the following
x-rays
X-ray 3A
(X-ray in cover at
end of the module)

X-ray
finding

the

second

the

case

provided.

A

0^ I rJ

oo y

In

Case History
7 year old Vani is brought with
a history of failure to thrive
for the past 1 year, persistent
cough for the past 3 months and
gradually increasing dyspnoea
for
the past
15
days.
On
examination, she is emaciated,
weighing
14
and
her
kg
respiratory rate is 60/minute
with
no
other
findings
on
auscultation.
Her
oxygen
saturation by pulse oximetry is
80% and her serum LDH is > 1000
U/l. Her chest Xray is given
alongside.
Diagnosis:
PC

image

scenarios

to

the

X-ray

MODULE 3

26

B

C

4 year old Radhika comes with a
history of
persistent fever
for a month and cough for the
past 10 days. On examination,
she has a respiratory rate of
40/min, diminished air entry,
dullness on percussion and fine
crepitations over the left lung
base.
Diagnosis:
T 6

X-ray 3B
(X-ray in
the
end
module)

5 year old Gunasekaran has come X-ray 3C
with a history of high-grade (X-ray in
end
fever for the past 3 days with the
cough and breathlessness. On module)
a
examination
he
has
respiratory rate of 60/min, and
fine crepitations heard over
both infrascapular regions. His
total
WBC
count
is
20,000/cu.mm.
LI •
«
.AArAJ •
Diagnosis: h

cover at
the
of
•U A

cover at
the
of

27

MODULE 3

/^FEEDBACK 3.9
Chest X-ray Diagnosis
image
finding_____
Diffuse
PCP
infiltrates
seen in both
lung
fields
extending to
the
peripheries.

Case A

Case
history

Case B

Case
history

Bilateral
upper
mediastinal
adenopathy,
infiltrates in
the
left
midzone and
opacification
of the left
lower zone
with
obliteration
of
the
costophrenic
angle.

Pulmonary
tuberculosis
with
hilar
lymphadenopathy
and left lower
lobar
consolidation
with
pleural
effusion.

Case C

Case
history

Right upper
lobe
consolidation

Bacterial
pneumonia
probably
pneumococcal

X-ray 3A

28

MODULE 3

29

MODULE 3

ACTIVITY 3.10
TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

Write

down

the

appropriate

treatment

against

diagnosis.

Condition

Treatment

Bacterial pneumonia

I

Pulmonary TB

'hv^'v'J'b
. INfr-w dip

y

/^z 'v^evvT

)

Pneumocystis

pneumonia

carinii

* Cc> -

1^/

y. 0

I
3

u

each

30

MODULE 3

^FEEDBACK 3.10
Write

down

the

appropriate

treatment

against

each

diagnosis.

Condition

Treatment

Bacterial pneumonia

Conventional antibiotics

Pulmonary TB

INAH/Rifampicin/Pyrazinamide/Ethambutol

2 months, Isoniazid /Rifampicin 4 months,
extended upto 7 months in slow responders

Pneumocystis

carinii

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (15 - 20

pneumonia

mg/kg per day TMP)
in four divided doses for 2 to 3 weeks,
T. prednisolone 2 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks
tapered and stopped by Srdweek

The

next

indications

activi ty
for

is

aimed

anti-viral

at

teaching

treatment.

To

do

you

the

about
next

exercise you will need to read the sections "Anti-viral
treatment"
(pages46-48) in the reader at the end of this
module. Once you have finished reading this. you can
undertake the next activity.

31

MODULE 3

ACTIVITY3.il

INDICATIONS FOR ANTI-VIRAL TREATMENT
Put a tick mark against the following situations do you

think that anti-viral treatment is indicated?
Case Scenario

Yes
/No

One year old Arun has tested HIV Elisa-positive twice

1 after the age of 6 months. His parents cannot afford CD4

A/b'

testing, and virologic testing is not available. Arun
has a history of 3 to 4 upper respiratory infections in

the past 1 year. On examination, his weight is 9 kg, and

he has no lymphadenopathy, oral candidiasis or

hepatosplenomegaly. Systemic examination is normal.
4 year old Ravi has been brought to you with a history
2 of recurrent skin infections and otitis media,

and one

episode of pneumonia documented on chest Xray 6 months
earlier.

On

examination,

he

cervical

has

and

axillary

adenopathy, enlarged parotids, and a liver palpable 3 cm

below the right costal margin. Investigations reveal the
following:

HIV

positive

ELISA

and

Western

Blot,

CD4

count of 400 cells/cu.mm.

year

8

old

child

is

well

and

has

been

remarkably

3 aymptomatic. CD 4 count 550/mm3

3

year

old

Arun

has

brought

been

with

4 regression of milestones over the past

a

history

of

6 months he has

lost the ability to run and says only "amma" and "appa
whereas

previously

examination,

he

he

has

had
a

a

large

broad-based

vocabulary.

On

gait

and

ataxic

exaggerated deep tendon reflexes in the lower limbs.
was

7

found to HIV ELISA reactive and his

He

CT scan shows

bilateral basal ganglia calcifications.

7

C

I

Jo

32

MODULE 3

FEEDBACK3.il
Put

a

tick mark against the following situations
for
which in your opinion anti-viral treatment is
indicated?

Yes/No

1

No

2

Yes

3

No

4

Yes

For

more

detailed
discussion
of
neurological
manifestations of HIV infection see Verghese VP et al
(reference 3).

33

NOTES

MODULE 3

34

NOTES

MODULE 3

37

MODULE 3

READINGS
POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS FOR BABIES BORN OF HIV

POSITIVE MOTHERS
All newborn babies born of HIV positive mothers should receive ART

prophylaxis according to MTCT protocol
(a) Infants whose mothers have received AZT during pregnancy and labour should

receive Zidovudine (at 2 mg/kg Q6H or 4 mg/kg bd) within 48 hours of
delivery for a duration of 4-6 weeks

(tylnfants whose mothers have received single dose Nevirapine during labour may

receive Nevirapine (2 mg/Kg stat dose) within 72 hours of delivery

or Zidovudine (at 2 mg/kg Q6H or 4 mg/kg bd) within 48 hours of delivery
for a duration of 4-6 weeks

© Infants whose mothers have not received any ART during pregnancy or delivery
should receive Zidovudine (at 2 mg/kg Q6H or 4 mg/kg bd) within 48 hours
of delivery for a duration of 4-6 weeks.

PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PROPHYLAXIS IN NEWBORN
At 6 to 8 weeks of age prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP),

usually

with

trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

(at

lOmg/kg/day

of

Trimethoprim in 2 divided doses daily, 3 days a week) should be started and

given until the age of 1 year. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is avoided in
the first few weeks of life as it can cause neutropenia.

38

MODULE 3

IMMUNISATION FOR THE BABY OF A MOTHER WHO IS HIV
POSITIVE



All routine vaccinations as recommended by the WHO need to be given to

the baby of a mother who is HIV positive
DPT
OPV

Hepatitis B

Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines
BCG vaccination
(It is usually given in the first 2 months of life. Older children with

symptomatic HIV disease should not receive BCG vaccination because of

the risk of disseminated tuberculosis.)


Measles vaccination
First dose- 6 months of age

Second dose - 9 months of age

(measles antibody response to vaccination is lower in HIV-infected
children)
• Varicella vaccination may be given to asymptomatic children after 12

to 15 months of age if the family can afford it.



Pneumococcal vaccine may be given to children older than 2 years of
age.

I

39

MODULE 3

LABORATORY CONFIRMATION OF HIV INFECTION

Child >18 months of age: A positive ELISA or Western blot test is indicative of
HIV infection

Child < 18 months of age:
1. A positive ELISA test cannot be used to make a diagnosis of HIV infection

in these children.
(Exposed infants and children younger than 18 months of age maintain HIV

seropositivity due to the persistence of transmitted maternal antibodies)

2. Two or more negative antibody tests (ELISA or Western Blot) can

reasonably exclude HIV infection in non-breastfed infants with no evidence of
clinical infection.
> Tests performed beyond 6 months of age
> Interval of 1 month between assays

3. Definitive diagnosis can be made in case of perinatal transmission if two

HIV PCR assays drawn at separate times are positive. This can be performed

as early as the first 48 hours of life using HIV DNA PCR or HIV culture, both
of which are very sensitive and specific in determining HIV infection.

4. Negative PCR assays after 4 months of age can exclude HIV infection in the
absence of breastfeeding.

40

MODULE 3

NATURAL HISTORY OF HIV INFECTION IN CHILDREN
Proportion (%)
Rapid progression (AIDS in 2 years)

20~~

Intermediate progression (AIDS in 7-8

60-75

years)

Slow progression (AIDS>8 years)

5-10

median survival time of perinatally HIV-infected children- 8 to 9 years

(not on antiretroviral therapy)
1994 REVISED HIV PEDIATRIC CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: CLINICAL
CATEGORIES

Category A_______
Mildly
Symptomatic_____
Lymphadenopathy
Hepatomegaly
Dermatitis
Parotitis
Recurrent/
persistent
URI, sinusitis or
otitis media.

Category B____________
Moderately symptomatic

Category C_________
Severely symptomatic

Recurrent or chronic Diarrhea
Serious
bacterial
Failure to thrive
infections
Persistent oropharyngeal
Esophageal candidiasis
candidiasis
Cryptococcal meningitis
Anaemia, neutropenia
Diarrhea > 1 month
thrombocytopenia
Encephalopathy
Bacterial meningitis
Persistent HSV ulcer (> 1
Pneumonia
month)
Sepsis
Tuberculosis,
0
Cardiomyopathy
disseminated
or
extrapulmonary
Hepatitis
Pneumocystis
carinii
Recurrent herpes stomatitis
Multi-dermatomal herpes zoster
pneumonia
Salmonella (nontyphoid)—
Complicated chickenpox
Lymphoid interstitial pneumoni septicemia, recurrent
Cerebral Toxoplasmosis
(LIP)
Persistent fever (> 1 month)______
Category N: Not Symptomatic
In situations where CD4 testing is not available or affordable, the presence
of a Category B or Category C illness may be taken as an indirect indicator
of the presence of moderate or severe immunosuppression, for purposes of
monitoring disease progression and deciding when to start PCP
prophylaxis in children older than 18 months of age (unpublished data).

*5

f

41

MODULE 3

CLINICAL AND LAB FINDINGS: SUSPECT HIV INFECTION

Clinical suspicion of HIV infection

The following clinical manifestations and laboratory findings should lead to
the suspicion of HIV infection in children, especially when present in
combination and where other causes cannot be found. It must be emphasized
that many of these manifestations may also be seen in children in developing
countries due to other infections or illnesses in the absence of HIV infection.
History of




1










Failure to thrive
Recurrent bacterial infections (pyoderma, sinusitis, otitis media,
pneumonia, meningitis)
Recurrent or chronic diarrhea
Recurrent or persistent oral candidiasis
Developmental delay or loss of milestones
Progressive respiratory distress during the first 6 months (PCP)
Recurrent vaginal candidiasis (older girls)
Bruising or epistaxis
Recurrent varicella or herpes zoster
Mycobacterial infections

Examination Findings

Generalized lymphadenopathy
Unexplained hepatomegaly, splenomegaly or both
Chronic or recurrent enlargement of parotid glands
Oral thrush
Papular urticaria (HIV dermatitis)
Hyperreflexia, spasticity, rigidity, increased muscle tone
Candida dermatitis
Bruising or petechiae
Unexplained digital clubbing
Chronic lung disease or lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP)
Unexplained congestive heart failure
Renal failure or nephrotic syndrome
Laboratory Findings




Unexplained anemia, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia
Hypergammaglobulinemia (frequent)
Hypogammaglobulinemia (in advanced disease)

42






Failure to form antibodies following vaccination
Increased liver transaminases
Increased amylase (due to parotitis)
Increased lactic dehydrogenase levels (in LIP and PCP)
Persistently abnormal chest X ray

MODULE 3

43

MODULE 3

COUNSELLING THE FAMILY OF AN HIV POSITIVE CHILD
Child

Preschool
Encourage the child to ask about the tests and procedures and attempt to allay

fears about the same. Use simple diagrams to explain issues like injections,

and health consequences and steps that have to be taken.
School age

Plan information commensurate to the developmental level.
Adolescents

Try to establish a sense of trust with a view towards therapy and its
compliance.

At all ages encourage recreational activities that health permits.

Regular follow up with developmental and neurological assessments.

Continue school.

Family
Parents

Understand the despair and anxiety and allow them to speak about their
concerns.

Educate them regarding injections and treatments to help them to move
towards acceptance and realistic expectations.

Tackle parental guilt and help them to understand that it was not their intent
to cause harm to the child.
If depressed or in suicidal risk treat depression and seek psychiatric help.

Assess stresses on other members of the family like the grand parents.
Check both the parents for HIV status if it is unknown.

Siblings
Assess fears in the siblings.
Encourage older children to help in the care of the affected child.

Check the siblings for HIV infection.

44

MODULE 3

LAB EVALUATION OF THE HIV POSITIVE CHILD

Mantoux testing and a radiograph of the chest are essential in the initial
evaluation of the HIV-infected child. Annual TB testing with PPD and chest

roentgenogram is recommended for both HIV-infected and non-infected
siblings. A PPD reaction of 5 mm or greater should be considered positive in
HIV-infected children. A positive PPD with a normal chest X-ray indicates

infection with TB but not disease. A positive PPD is an indication for initiating
TB prophylaxis with Rifampicin 10 mg/Kg/day and Isoniazid 5 mg/Kg/day
for 6 months.

Other investigations may be done as clinically indicated.

NUTRITION OF THE HIV POSITIVE CHILD

Nutritional support in the HIV-positive child include:


Monitoring weight and height at each visit to identify growth failure



Diet providing 150 -200 Kcalories/kg/day, and 2-3 gm protein/kg /day



Caloric density may be increased by the addition of fats such as coconut
oil that are easily digested



Lactose-free formula in the infant with lactose intolerance secondary to

chronic diarrhoea.


Predigested milk formula (Pregestemil) in the infant with chronic

diarrhoea and no lactose intolerance
7



Micronutrient supplementation with Vitamin A, iron and zinc



Antioxidants such as Vitamin E, seleniun^glutathione and beta-carotene .



Nasogastric tube feeding may be used in the child with odynophagia or

anorexia


Appetite stimulants such as cyproheptadine may be tried



Gastrostomy feeds/total partenteral nutrition may be tried in specialized
centers for children who do not respond to all other interventions.

45

MODULE 3

__________ RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
CLINICAL CRITERIA
TREATMENT_____________________
Persistent cough/ dyspnoea Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (15 minimal findings
20 mg/kg per day TMP) in four daily
Diffuse bilateral interstitial doses for 2 to 3 weeks T. prednisolone
infiltrates (CXR)
2 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks
Hypoxemia (pulse oximetry) tapered and stopped by 3rdweek
7 -—-Serum LDH level > 2 to 3
times normal
Response to co-trimoxazole
therapy

INFECTION
Pneumocystis
carinii

Bacterial
pneumonia

Pulmonary TB

Lymphoid
interstitial
pneumonia

a

Acute onset high fever
leukocytosis with shift to the
left
Lobar consolidation (CXR)
Positive blood cultures______
Fever>l month
Weight loss
Cough
Close contact with TB
Positive PPD > 5 mm
AFB positive
Histology of TB
Radiology suggestive of TB
Response to ATT

Conventional antibiotics

INAH/Rifampicin/Pyrazinamide/Eth
ambutol 2 months
Isoniazid /Rifampicin 4 months
Extended upto 7 months in slow
responders (sputum positivity or
persistence of signs or symptoms after
the initial 2 months).
Extrapulmonary disease:
Continuation phase for 7 months (total
therapy 9 months)__________________
Bilateral
reticulonodular Bronchodilator therapy
infiltrates (CXR)
In case of hypoxia treat with steroids
Serum LDH elevated to
within 2 to 3 times normal
Elevated
immunoglobulin
levels
No response to therapy with
antibiotics/ATT

46

MODULE 3

INDICATIONS FOR ANTI-VIRAL TREATMENT

CRITERIA

INDICATION

CLINICAL:

Category C

LABORATORY:

Any clinical category (N,A,B,CZ) with
CD4 count < 15%
(See page 49 for age-specific counts)

As many of the symptoms of HIV disease overlap with symptoms seen in
children without HIV disease in resource-limited settings, initiation of ART in
children < 18 months of age should not be considered in the absence of viral

load assays and CD4 counts.

ANTI-RETROVIRAL REGIMENS

REGIMEN

FIRST-LINE

NRTIs

NNRTI / PI

ZDV + 3TC

NVP or EFZ

ZDV + 3TC + ABC

SECOND-LINE

d4T + ddl

IDV

d4T + ddl

NVP/EFZ(if

first

3

NRTIs)

&

47

MODULE 3

OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION PROPHYLAXIS
PCP prophylaxis beyond 1 year of age is also given to all children with a
J

previous

episode

of

PCP

and

those

with

evidence

of

severe

immunosuppression (CD4 count < 500 between 1-5 years age or < 200

between 6-12 years age). In the absence of CD4 testing all children with a
history of Clinical Category B or C illness may be considered candidates for

PCP prophylaxis.

APPENDIX: ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS

Nucleoside analogues inhibiting HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NRTIs):
Major toxicity

Dosage

Drug

bd;

Bone

Zidovudine

180

(ZDV/AZT)

4mg/kg bd in neonates

suppression

Didanosine (ddl)

90 - 150 mg/ M2 bd;

Pancreatitis,

50

mg/M2

mg/M2

bd

marrow

hepatitis

in Peripheral neuropathy

neonates

Lamivudine (3TC)

Stavudine

(d4T)

bd;

Pancreatitis,

2 mg/kg bd in neonates

Neutropenia

1 mg/kg bd

Pancreatitis,

4

mg/kg

hepatitis

hepatitis

Peripheral neuropathy

Zalcitabine (ddC)

0.005 to 0.01 mg/kg tid

Mucocutaneous
eruptions

Abacavir

(ABC)

8

mg/

kg

(in > 3 mo. age)

Ml

bd

Life-threatening

hypersensitivity

48

MODULE 3

Non-nudeoside analogues inhibiting HIV-1 RT (NNRTIs)

Drug
Nevirapine
(NVP)
Delavirdine
(DLV)
Efavirenz
(EFV)*

Dosage

Major toxicity

120 mg/M2 od x 2
wks then 200 mg/M2
bd
Dose unknown

200 -600 mg
in > 3 yrs age

od

Severe
skin
rash Hepatitis

Mild skin rash
GI symptoms
Skin
rash
CNS symptoms

*Efavirenz pediatric dose: No data for children younger than 3 years.
By body weight, once-a-day dosing as follows:
10 to <15 kg: 200 mg, 15 to <20 kg: 250 mg
20 to <25 kg: 300 mg, 25 to <32.5 kg: 350 mg
32.5 to <40 kg: 400 mg, >/= 40 kg: 600 mg.
Inhibitors of HIV-1 protease (Pls):

Drug

Dosage

Indinavir
(IDV)

500 mg/M2 tid

Ritonavir
(RTV)

350 - 450 mg/ M2 bd

Saquinavir
(SQV)
Nelfinavir
(NFV)

Dose unknown

Amprenavir
(VZX 478)

55
nig/kg
bd;
40 - 50 mg/kg tid < 1 yr
age___________
bd
20
mg/kg
in > 4 yrs age

Major toxicity
Indirect
hyperbilirubinemia;
kidney
stones,
GI
symptoms,
GI
symptoms,
hyperlipemia
Hepatitis,
pancreatitis
GI
symptoms.
Hyperglycemia
GI
symptoms,
rash
I lyperglycemia

GI
symptoms,
hyperlipemia, rash, mood
disorders

49

MODULE 3

1994 Revised Pediatric HIV Classification System: Immunologic Categories
Based on Age-Specific CD4+ Lymphocyte Count and Percentage

| Age of Child~
Immune Category

</= 12 months
Cells/mm3 (%)

1-5 years

6-12 years

Cells/mm3 (%) Cells/mm3 (%)

Category 1:
No suppression

>/= 1,500 (>25) >/= 1,000 (>25) >/= 500 (>25)

Category 2:
Moderate
suppression

750-1,499 (15 24)

500- 999 (1524)

200-499 (15 24)

750 (<15)

500 (< 15)

200 (< 15)

Category 3:
Severe suppression

REFERENCES
1.
WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF Statement on Policy Guidelines of HIV and
infant feeding, (available at www.unaids.org).
2.
Cherian T, Verghese V.P. (2000).Tuberculosis with human
immunodeficiency virus infection. Indian f Pediatr 67: S47-S52.4
3.
Verghese VP, Cherian T, Cherian A.J., Babu P.G., John TJ, Kirubakaran
C, Raghupathy P. (2002) Clinical manifestations of HIV-1 infection. Indian
Pediatr 39: 57-63.
4.
WHO (2001) Use of antiretroviral drugs for MTCT prevention,
(available at www.unaids.org).

FURTHER READING
1.
HIV/AIDS in infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric Clinics of
North America February 2000; 47 (1). WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia.
2.
Yogev R, Connor E (eds) Management of HIV infection in infants and
children. (1992), Mosby-Year Book Inc., St.Louis
3.
Pizzo P.A., Wilfert CM (eds) Pediatric AIDS (1998). Williams and
Wilkins, Baltimore.

sc

WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS Statement
on Current Status of
WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF Policy Guidelines

CTV1

A recent early report of evidence that HIV is less likely to be transmitted through exclusive breastfeeding does not
warrant a change in existing WHO/UNICEF/UNAIDS policy.
In the last ten years, evidence has accumulated that HIV can be transmitted through breast-milk. WHO and
UNAIDS currently estimate that a child breastfeeding from a mother who is HIV positive has a 15% risk of
infection by this route. Every year 200,000 infants may acquire HIV in this way. Where resources permit, many
HIV-positive mothers now choose to feed their babies artificially, and to avoid breastfeeding altogether. In resource
poor settings,where the risks of artificial feeding may be particularly high, the decision for both individual mothers
and policy-makers is more difficult. The situation has led in some settings to a loss of support for initiatives to
promote breastfeeding, and to some women avoiding breastfeeding even if they do not know their HIV status.
In 1997, UNAIDS, WHO and UNICEF issued a joint policy statement on HIV and infant feeding, which stated that
- "As a general principle, in all populations, irrespective of HIV infection rates, breastfeeding should continue to be
protected, promoted and supported" and - "Counselling for women who are aware of their HIV status should include
the best available information on the benefits of breastfeeding, on the risk of HIV transmission through
breastfeeding, and on the risks and possible advantages associated with other methods of infant feeding" and - "It is
therefore important that women be empowered to make fully informed decisions about infant feeding, and that they
be suitably supported in carrying them out."

In 1998, WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS held a technical consultation on HIV and Infant Feeding, and issued
guidelines with a human rights perspective, based on the joint policy statement (1). These guidelines call for a
strengthening of initiatives to protect, promote and support breastfeeding among mothers who are HIV negative or
of unknown HIV status, and they describe several infant feeding options for consideration by HIV-positive mothers
These include:
- replacement feeding with commercial formula or home prepared formula
- breastfeeding in the way generally recommended
- breastfeeding exclusively and stopping early
7
—-= z use of heat treated expressed breast-milk
- wet-nursing,
in all cases with timely and adequate complementary feeding. There is no attempt to favour any one of these options
over the others, as the principle recommendation is for mothers to receive counselling that will enable them to make
a fully informed decision appropriate to their situation and resources. The responsibility of the policy-maker and
health care manager is to provide the necessary support to enable mothers to make and carry out their choice
whether to breastfeed or to use replacement feeds.

The studies on which existing estimates of transmission are based do not distinguish between infants who are
exclusively breastfed and those, usually the majority, who are both breastfed and receive other foods or drinks. A
recently published early report (2) suggests that exclusive breastfeeding, that is, when an infant is aiven no other
food or drink of any sort, may be less likely to transmit infection than mixed feeding, possibly because other foods
can damage the infants gut, and make it easier for the virus to cross the intestinal mucosa. This report has raised the
hopes of many health workers, who are concerned about the adverse effects on child health of decreasing rates of
breastfeeding. The question has been raised as to whether or not WHO should revise its infant feeding
recommendation.
&
The information contained in this early report is interesting and important. However, because of limitations of the
study size and design, firm conclusions cannot be drawn without further research. That such research should be
conducted as a matter of urgency is clear, and has been identified by WHO as a priority.

5|

hre^t’^d10 ' h06

nSk °f maStitis and niPP'e damaSe which could increase transmission of HIV Stoonma

ZZXthe Z

S.SSSSSSSS?
uuurmaiion

as

n

becomes

available.

^eSd^tSS’. GuideHneS f°r decision-®akers. WHO/FRH/NUT/CHD/98.1; UNAIDS/98.3;
Care managerS and SUperViSOrS' WHO/FRH/NUT/CHD/98.2;

2. Coutsoudis A, Pillary K, Spooner L,
’ L,
Z
E, ”
Kuhn
L, Coovadia
HM. Influence of infant-feeding patterns on early motherto-child transmission of HIV-1 in Durban, South Africa:
' —
—: a prospective cohort study. Lancet 1999; 354:471-76

5 2.

Supplement-Indian J Pediatr 2000; 67: S47-S52

Tuberculosis in Children

Tuberculosis with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Thomas Cherian and Valsan P Verghese
I
I

Department of Child Health, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, Tamilnadu
Abstract. Tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients in developing countries including
India. The seroprevalence of HIV among tuberculosis patients in various parts of India has been increasing steadily.
Children who are HIV-infected have a higher risk of progression after primary infection. Children born to HIV positive
parents who are not infected themselves are also at higher risk of acquiring tuberculosis because of exposure. The
clinical and radiological manifestations of tuberculosis are similar to those seen in HIV-uninfected individuals, except in
those with advanced immunodeficiency. Most patients respond well to standard chemotherapy but mortality remains
high because of other opportunistic infections. Preventive treatment with isoniazid for 6-12 months is effective in reducing
those with latent infection.
Key words : HIV infected; Latent infection.

'II

The HIV epidemic started a new era in the history of tuberculosis patients throughout India has increased
mycobacterial disease in humans, both in developed and significantly in the past few years. In Pune, the prevalence
developing countries. There has been a resurgence in the of HIV infection among tuberculosis patients increased
number of cases of active tuberculosis worldwide. More from 3.2% in 1991 to 20.1% in 19967.
Most available data on HIV and tuberculosis is from
ominous has been the emergence of multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis. The significance of tuberculosis in the natural adults. It is not surprising that tuberculosis is more
history and progression of HIV infection is now well common among HIV-infected adults than children since
recognized. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was classified there is a cumulative increase in the risk of tuberculosis
as an AIDS defining illness in children in 1987*. In the with age. Adults may develop disease from progression
most recent classification system for HIV infection in of a primary infection as well as reactivation of latent
children, extrapulmonary tuberculosis is included as a infection. Disease in children, on the other hand, usually
category C condition, i.e. defining severe symptomatic follows progression of primary infection. Though the
proportion of HIV-infected children with tuberculosis is
HIV infection2.
lower than HIV-infected adults, the number of children
Epidemiology of HIV and Tuberculosis
with HIV-attributable tuberculosis is rapidly increasing.
Using estimates of prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV in It is estimated that worldwide there will be over 56,000
various regions, it has been observed that by mid-1994 cases of HIV-attributable tuberculosis annually in children
there were 5.6 million persons co-infected with HIV and by the year 2000H. A study from Mumbai showed a
tuberculosis worldwide; more than 1.15 million of these prevalence of HIV of 18% among children with CNS
live in Southeast Asia (including India3). It is estimated
tuberculosis or miliary tuberculosis; the prevalence of HIV
that deaths from tuberculosis will increase from 2.5 million seropositivity among children with chronic diarrhea in
annually in 1990 to 3.5 million annually in 2000. The the same study was 24%9. In our cohort of 49 children
proportion of HIV -attributable tuberculosis deaths will with HIV infection, seven (14%) were diagnosed to have
increase from 4.6% to 14.2%. In the developed countries, tuberculosis (unpublished data).
the increasing rates of tuberculosis have been reversed
with effective tuberculosis control programs. In India, the Copathogenicity of Tuberculosis and HIV Disease
rates of HIV-luberculosis co-infection are steadily The association between HIV and tuberculosis is not
increasing. Here tuberculosis is the commonest surprising because of the overlap in the populations at
opportunistic infection in HIV infected. Close to 60% of greatest risk for infection with both these organisms and
adults with symptomatic HIV infection have the importance of cell mediated immunity in controlling
tuberculosis16. The seroprevalence of HIV antibody among tuberculosis. Thus, those with HIV infection arc more likely
------------------------------------------------------------------------- to develop active disease when infected with Mycobacterium
Correspondence :Tliom;..1 Cherian, Department of Child tuberculosis and, consequently, more likely to spread the
Health, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore infection to their close contacts. Areas of the world with
632004, Tamilnadu

Supplement-Indian J Pediatr 2000; 67: SS2

S47

THOMAS CHERIAN & V P VERGHESE

the highest rates of tuberculosis (>100 cases per 100,000 upper lobe tuberculosis is more common in those with CD4
population) are the same regions where HIV is rapidly counts> 200/mm1, whereas hilar/mediastinal adenopathy
increasing. In these areas transmission of HIV is and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates (withoutcavitation) are
predominantly heterosexual and HIV infection in children more common in those with CD4 counts<200/mm3 |g.
puts them at high risk for co-infection with M. tuberculosis,
Data from children co-infected with HIV and
following which they also have a higher risk of progression tuberculosis also suggest that the clinical and radiological
to active disease; the risk of active disease in children with manifestations do not vary significantly from those who
HIV is 5-10 times higher than those without HIV9.
are HIV seronegative19. However, one study from Zimbabwe
Children born to HIV-infected mothers, but who are showed that lobar infiltrates, especially those involving
not themselves infected, are also at higher risk for acquiring the lower lobes were more common in the HIV seropositive
tuberculosis because of the increased risk of exposure to children20. In the cohort of 31 HIV seropositive children
tuberculosis from their parents. It is estimated that with tuberculosis in Cote d'Ivoire, nine (29%) had
tuberculosis rate in the first four years of life among children extrapulmonary disease19. This was not significantly higher
born to HIV-infected mothers is 10 times higher than in than in HIV seronegative children, 26% of whom had
non-HIV-infected and 30 times higher in HIV-infected extrapulmonary disease19. The common extrapulmonary
children, respectively, as compared to other children1’1.
manifestations were lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion
While it is clear that HIV infection increases the risk and miliary tuberculosis, the latter seen more frequently in
of tuberculosis, it is now becoming increasingly clear that the I IlV-infecled cohort19.
the reverse is also true. Immunologic and virologic
In our own experience, all seven children co-infected
evidence indicates that the immune response to with HlV and tuberculosis had pulmonary disease. All of
tuberculosis enhances HIV replication, accelerating the them presented with prolonged fever, weight loss and
progression of the infection11. Therefore, prevention and failure of the pulmonary signs and symptoms to subside
early treatment of tuberculosis is very important in HIV- despite adequate antibiotic therapy. Chest radiographs
infected patients.
showed only hilar adenopathy in one, lobar infiltrates with
Infection with M. luberculosis most often occurs via or without hilar adenopathy in four (fig. 1) and diffuse
the respiratory tract. After infection, alveolar macrophages infiltrates in two children, respectively.
present the mycobacterial antigens to CD 4 positive TThe clinical features of tuberculous meningitis in
cells. This results in the release of interferon gamma (ll;NY), children who are seropositive for 111V are also not
which in turn activates macrophages to control the significantly different from those in seronegative children,
mycobacterial infection. However, the activated I lowever, venlriculomegaly, gyral enhancement and
macrophages also release interleukin-1, which enhances cortical atrophy on CT scan are more common in HIV
HIV replication1211. Mycobacteria also enhance HIV seropositive children21. Also, mortality and the incidence
replication by inducing nuclear factor Kappa-B, the cellular of severe neurological sequelae are more common in HIV
factor that binds to the promoter region of HIV14,15.
seropositive children. Co-existing HIV encephalopathy and
Clinical Manifestations of Tuberculosis in Patients with diminished immune function may account for the poorer
HIV Co-infection
piognosis21.

In majority of the adults (> 15 years) with HIV infection, the Laboratory Diagnosis
clinical and radiological manifestations of tuberculosis are In children the majority of tuberculosis cases are diagnosed
similar to those seen in non-HIV infected adults16,17. Studies clinically without microbiological confirmation. The
in Kenya and Tanzania have shown that 88-92% of HIV diagnosis is based mainly on clinical suspicion and
seropositive adults with tuberculosis had only pulmonary radiological manifestations.
involvement whereas 0.6 to 3% had both pulmonary and
The tuberculin skin test is often negative, especially
extrapulmonary involvement and 8-12% had only in those with more advanced HI V disease. Only one-third
extrapulmonary involvement16. Of those with to less than half of children co-infected with tuberculosis
extrapulmonary involvement, 85% had lymphadenopathy and HIV have a positive tuberculin test19-20-22. Because of
(mainly cervical)16. Miliary tuberculosis was uncommon the higher risk of tuberculosis in children living in
and found in only 1.7% of 1722 tuberculosis patients with households with HIV-infected adults and because of
HIV in Kenya16. Though many HIV-infected adults have diminished immune responses in children with HIV
typical clinical and radiological manifestations of infection, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
tuberculosis, atypical presentations do occur frequently, using induration > 5 mm as the criterion for diagnosis of
especially in those with low CD4 counts. Thus, cavitatory tuberculous infection23. These criteria have not been
S48

Supplement-Indian J Pediatr 2000; 67: SS2

3
TUBERCULOSIS WITH HIV INFECTION

J

lit

Figurel: Chest radiograph of a child with tuberculosis and HIV co-infection showing mediastinal
lymphadenopathy and lobar infiltrates.

’ " ' document for the latest treatment recommendations.
adequately evaluated in developing countries, especially
in those where BCG vaccination is part of routine childhood Pulmonary tuberculosis/For drug-susceptible pulmonary
tuberculosis, standard 6-month therapy with isoniazid
immunization.

t
one
would
expect,
smears
and
(INH), rifampicin (RIF), pyrazinamide (PZA) and
Contrary to what
often
negative
in
HIV-infected
adult
ethambutol (EMB) daily for the initial two months followed
cultures are more <
patients with tuberculosis24. Similar findings are reported by INH and RIF, daily or twice weekly, for at least 4
among children with co-infection19,20. Despite this, it is additional months, is recommended. Conversion from
recommended that aggressive attempts be made to obtain sputum positive to sputum negative with this regimen is
a positive culture to differentiate between M. tuberculosis similar in HIV seropositive and seronegative patients with
and other mycobacteria, as well as to determine the tuberculosis. However, it is not known if relapse rates are
antimicrobial susceptibility.
higher in HIV-infected patients. Hence, some experts
Smears from needle aspiration and Ziehl-Neelson recommend extending the treatment to9 months.The CDC
staining are often negative in HIV patients who have recommends a minimum of 6 months therapy, with
tuberculous lymphadenitis25. Hence, biopsy with extension to 9 months in those who show slow response,
histopathological examination and culture of the lymph Slow response is defined as sputum positivity or persistence
node tissue are recommended to establish the diagnosis, of signs and symptoms of disease after 2 months of
Newer diagnostic modalities including molecular therapy26. Directly observed therapy is recommended,
methods of diagnosis of tuberculosis may yield better wherever possible.
results than routine smear and culture in the HIV-infected
Extrapulnionary tuberculosis /The drug regimen
population, but these methods need further evaluation, and duration of treatment used for pulmonary
Moreover, these methods for diagnosis are seldom available tuberculosis are generally adequate to treat most forms
in regions where the two infections most frequently co­ of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. However, for certain forms
of tuberculosis, such as meningitis and bone and joint
exist.
tuberculosis, a 9-month regimen of a rifamycin-containing
Treatment
regimen is recommended2'*.
The treatment of tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals
Dini; ivsist.mt (ubvtvulafis .'Hie risk of drug resislanl
has been extensively reviewed in a recent public.dion h orn lubi’ivulosis is higher among those co-inlccled with I II Vz/.
the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The reasons for this arc not clear, but this might relied the
Atlanta, USA2". Readers are advised to consult this
e <n

THOMAS CHERIAN & V P VERGHESE

*
fact that a higher proportion of tuberculous disease in HIV- in the treatment of tuberculosis in patients receiving Pls;
infected individuals follows recently acquired infection. the
” PI ritonavir should not, however, be used in treatment
In recent years there had been an increasing number regimes containing rifabutin.
of reports of rifampicin monoresistance in HIV co-infected
Outcome oft/jempy.^hen tuberculosis develops
patients. The reasons for this are also not fully understood, in HIV-infected individuals, the prognosis is poor, despite
Possible reasons3 include (1) increased rates of bacterial treatment. The 1-year mortality for treated HIV-related
of suppressed
cell mediated tuberculosis is 20-35% both in developed and developing
replication in an cenvironment
----- ---- -------rt
alabsorption and (3) countries26. The observed mortality in co-infection with
immunity, (2) selective drug malabsorption
inadequate tissue penetration of the drug.
HIV and tuberculosis is four times higher than in
For isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis, a regime tuberculosis without HIV29. Although death may be due to
containing RIF, PZA and EMB may be used for the full tuberculosis, more often it is due to other HIV-related
duration of treatment (6-9 months). Intermittent therapy complications3’5.
may be used after daily therapy for the initial 8 weeks.
Prevention
For tuberculosis resistant only to rifampicin a 9- Chemoprophylaxis/Prevention of tuberculosis in the HIVmonth regime consisting of INH, EMB, PZA and infected population not only prevents progression of HIV
streptomycin for the initial two months, followed by INH, disease but also limits the spread of tuberculosis among
PZA and streptomycin for the next 7 months is
susceptible contacts.
recommended.
Several studies have documented that six or 12
In multidrug resistant tuberculosis (i.e. resistant to
that months of INH given to tuberculin test positive patients
INH and RIF), aggressive treatment with a regime
i J
contains an aminoglycoside or capreomycin and a resulted in a 70-83% reduction in incidence of tuberculosis,
fluoroquinolone is recommended. The duration of therapy A multicentric trial in the United States, Brazil, Mexico and
must be at least 24 months after culture conversion.
Haiti showed that 2 months of RIF and PZA was equivalent
Paradoxical reactions to treatment: Pa tients who to 12 months of INH alone. There is no comparison between
receive antituberculosis treatment along with anti-retroviral a 6-month and 12-month regime of INH, but treatment
therapy may manifest a paradoxical worsening of beyond 12 months does not seem to provide additional
symptoms, which are attributable to a recovery of tuberculin benefit. The duration of the protective effect of prophylaxis
hypersensitivity as a result of therapy28. Such patients is not known and the effect on mortality and progression
manifest with hectic fevers, lymphadenopathy, worsening of HIV appears to be limited.
chest radiographic findings (e.g. miliary infiltrates and
Based on these studies, the CDC currently
pleural effusion) and worsening of original tuberculosis recommends prophylaxis for all HIV-infected individuals
lesions. Discontinuation or changes in tuberculosis or with a tuberculin skin reaction >5 mm26. INH prophylaxis
antiretroviral therapy is rarely required in most situations, has not been found beneficial in anergic HIV-infected
A short course of steroids to suppress the immune response patients. However, some experts recommend prophylaxis
may ameliorate some of the signs and symptoms, such as for anergic or tuberculin negative I UV-infecled individuals
lymphadenopathy.
with high risk for exposure to tuberculosis. These
Interaction between rifamycins and anti-retroviral recommendations hold true for children as well. Yearly
dropsof the newer anti-retroviral drugs interact with tuberculin testing and prophylaxis is recommended for all
the rifamycin group of anti-tuberculosis drugs, further HIV-infectcd children.
complicating treatment. Rifampicin induces the enzyme
Non-I HV-infected children of parents with
CPY 450 that increases the metabolism of protease tuberculosis arc also at high risk for developing
inhibitors (I’ls) resulting in lower serum levels of these tuberculosis. Once a year tuberculin testing and
drugs. Since 1’1 resistant mutants of HIV may emerge if prophylaxis if they become tuberculin sensitive is
optimal levels of the drug are not maintained during recommended23.
therapy, concomitant therapy with rifampicin and I’ls is
As has been staled earlier, mortality in treated
not recommended ’". On the other hand the protease tuberculosis patients co-inlcc.led with I IIV is largely due to
inhibitor ritonavir inhibits CPY 450, which results in other opportunistic infections rather than leaclivation of
increased concentration of rifabutin and resultant toxicity, tuberculosis. This is especially true in patients in
Since current evidence indicates that the anti tuberculosis developing countries who are not receiving antiretroviral
activity of rifabutin is equal to that of rifampicin, it is therapy. A recent study from Cote d'Ivoire has shown that
recommended that this drug be used instead of rifampicin cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, started after completion of a 6-

S50

*

Supplement-Indian J Pediatr 2000; 67: SS2

TUBERCULOSIS WITH HIV INFECTION

Public Henltli 1998; 29:37-6.
month course of antituberculosis treatment in patients co­
infected with HIV, resulted insignificantly lower mortality 5. Kumaraswamy N, Solomon S, Jayaker Paul SA, Vemlla R,
Amalraj RE. Spectrum of opportunistic infections among
and hospital admissions during a 10-month follow up
AIDS patients in Tamilnadu. Ini J STD AIDS 1995; 6: 447-9.
ffCG vaccination /There are a few case reports of 6. Kaur A, Babu PG, Jacob M ct nl. Clinical and laboratory profile
of AIDS in India. / Acquir Innniine Def. Syndr 1992; 5: 883-9.
disseminated BCG infection in individuals with HIV.
However, several studies in developing countries have 7. Paranjape RS, Tripathy SP, Menon PA cl al. Increasing trend
of HIV seroprevalence among pulmonary tuberculosis
documented that adverse reactions following BCG
patients in Pune. Indian ] Med Res 1997: 106: 207-11.
vaccination in HIV-infected infants are no higher than in
non-infected infants’2. Therefore, BCG vaccination is 8. Merchant RH, Shroff RC. Hiy_seroprev.Vleno, in
disseminated tuberculosis and chronic diarrhea. Indian
recommended for infants of HIV-infected mothers m
Pediatr 1998; 35: 883-7.
countries where it is part of the routine immunization
schedule, provided the children do not have evidence 0 9.
. -Husson RN. Tuberculosis. In : Pizzo PA, Wilfert CM (cds).
Pediatric AIDS. 3'u edn. Baltimore, Wiliams and Wilkins. 1998;
advanced immunodeficiency. However, the efficacy of

139-56.
BCG in HIV-infccled children is not known. One small
10
Bornschlugcl
K, Thomas P, Channing K, Salelan S, Kaye K.
case-control study showed no el'ficacy in I IIV-infecled
Tuberculosis
in
children born to 1 IIV inlecled women in New
children compared to 59% efficacy in uninfected children
York City (Abstract). XI International Conference on AIDS,
of HIV seropositive mothers”.
Vancouver, Canada. 1996.
Conclusion
U. Whalen C. Copathogenicity of tuberculosis and human
immunodeficiency virus disease. Clin Infect Dis (In Piess).
Tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection in
the HIV-infected population in developing countries, 12. Folks TM, Justement J, Kinter A, Dinarello CA, Fauci AS.
including India. There has been an increase in the
Cytokine-induced expression of HIV-1 in a chronically
infected promonocyte cell line. Science 1987; 238: 800-2.
incidence of tuberculosis following the HIV epidemic. ’T he
clinical and radiological manifestations of tuberculosis are 13 Osborn L, Kunkel S, Nabel GJ. Tumor necrosis factor alpha
similar to those seen in I II V-uninfected individuals, except
and interleukin I stimulate the human immunodehciency
virus enhancer by activation of the nuclear factor kp. Proc
in those with advanced immunodeficiency, where atypical
presentations may be seen. Most patients respond well to
Natl Acad Sci USA 1989; 86: 2336-40.
standard chemotherapy, but mortality remains high 14. Lederman MM, Georges DL, Kusner DJ, Mudido P, Ciam
CZ, Toossi Z. Mycobacterium luberciilosi^ and its purified
primarily because of other opportunistic infections.
protein derivative activate expression of human
Prophylactic chemotherapy is effective in reducing the
immunodeficiency virus. / Acquir Immune I bf ic Syndr 1991;
incidence of tuberculosis in those with latent infection.
7: 727-33.
BC(vaccination is recommended in inlanls born to 111V
seropositive mothers unless they have evidence ol 15. Zhang Y, Nakata K, Weiden M, Rom WN. Mycobaclcrium
tuberculosis enhances human immunodeficiency virus - I
advanced immunodeficiency. However, the efficacy of
replication by transcriptional activation at the long terminal
BCG in preventing tuberculosis in these children in not
repeat. J Clin luucsl 1995; 95: 2324-31.
known.
16. I larries AD. Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus
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infection in developing countries. Liiicct 1990; 335: 387-90.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Revision of the l7. , |iirries AD, Nyangulu DS, Kangombe C el ill. 1 he scourge
CDC surveillance ease definition for acquired ol | HV-related tuberculosis : a cohort.study "' •'
l'
immunodeficiency syndrome. MMWR 1987; 38: 236-8, 243general hospital in Malawi. Ami bvp Me.l I untsHul I H7, B.

1

771-6.
50.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Revised 18. Perlman DC, El-Sadr WM, Nelson ET cl d/. Va- lion of chest
radiographic patterns in pulmonary tuberculosis by degree
classification system for human immunodeficiency virus
of
human
immunodeficiency
virus-related
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21. TopleyJM, Bamber S, Coovadia HM, Corr PD. Tuberculous 28. Narita M, Ashkin D, Hollender ES, Pitchenick AE. Paradoxical
worsening of tuberculosis following anti-retroviral therapy
mcniny.ilis and co-infeclion with I 11V. /\iiii Tmp Pticdinlr 1998;
in patients with AIDS. Ain J Ruspir Cril Care Med 1998; 158:
18: 261-6.
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Perriens JH, Colebunders RL, Karahunga C et al. Increased
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mortality and tuberculosis treatment failure rate among
on tuberculosis in children. Tuberc l.ung Dis 1996; 77: 437-43.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive
23. American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Pediatric
compared with HIV seronegative patients with tuberculosis
AIDS. Evaluation and medical treatment of the HIV-exposed
treated with "standard" chemotherapy in Kinshasa, Zaire.
infant. Pediatrics 1997; 99: 909-17.
Am Rev Respir Dis 1991; 144: 750-5.
24. Johnson JL, Vjecha MJ, Okwera A et al. Impact of human
30. Small PM, Schccter GF, Goodman PC, Sande MA, Chaisson
immunodeficiency virus type-1 infection on the initial
RE, Hopewell PC. Treatment of tuberculosis in patients with
bacleriologicand radiographic manifestations of pulmonary
advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection. N Engl
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Witkor SZ, Sassan-Moroko M, Grant AD et al. Efficacy of
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25. Bekcdam HJ, Boeree M, Kamenya A el al. Tuberculous
morbidity and mortality in HIV-1 infected patients with
lymphadenitis, a diagnostic problem in areas of high
tuberculosis in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire: a randomized
prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis. Trans Roy Soc Trop Med
controlled trial. Lancet 199; 353: 1469-75.
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32. O'Brien KL, Ruff AJ, Lous MA et al. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
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human immunodeficiency virus: Principles of therapy and
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Bhat G, Diwan V, Chintu C, Kabika M, Masona J. HIV, BCG
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Mathew S, Perakath B, Nair A, Sheshadn MS,
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Khafagi FA, Shapiro B, Fischer M, Sisson JC,
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McDougall IR. Malignant pheochromocytoma
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249-250.

manifestations and outcome of HIV/AIDS
among children diagnosed at our hospital, to
add to the emerging description of clinical
manifestation of HIV infection among

children in India.

Subjects-and Methods
Valsan Philip Verghese
Thomas Cherian
Anil J. Cherian
P. George Babu*
T. Jacob John*
Chellam Kirubakaran
P. Raghupathy

The
The global
global pandemic of acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has
already claimed an estimated five million
lives(l). Pediatric AIDS threatens much of
the progress made in child survival in
developing countries over the past ten to
fifteen years. The earliest reports of AIDS in
Indian children have come from multi­
transfused thalassemic children(2). More
recent reports have described the clinical
manifestations in children with perinatally
acquired infection(3,4). This report describes
the
mode
of
transmission,
clinical
INDIAN PEDIATRICS

The clinical case records of children
diagnosed to have HIV infection at our
hospital from January 1988 to March 2001
were reviewed. All children had .a detailed
history and clinical examination performed at
the first visit. Serological testing was
performed in 45 children because of
symptoms suggestive of HIV infection, in 35
children because their parents had positive
HIV ELISA tests, and in 8 children as part of
preoperative screening. HIV infection was
defined using the revised surveillance case
From the Departments of Child Health and Clinical
Virology*, Christian Medical College Hospital,
Vellore 632 004, India.
Correspondence to: Dr. Thomas Cherian, Department
of Child Health, Christian Medical College
Hospital, Vellore 632 004, India.
E-mail: cheri@cmcvellore.ac.in
Manuscript received: June 26, 2000;
Initial review completed: July 27, 2000,
Revision accepted: June 14, 2001.
57

VOLUME 39—JANUARY 17, 2002

BRIEF REPORTS

definition for HIV infection(5), and children
were classified into clinical categories using
the revised CDC classification of 1994(6).
Children younger than 18 months were
considered HIV-infected if they tested posi­
tive on HIV RNA-PCR assay, or, in addition
to positive serology (repeatedly reactive
ELISA and confirmatory Western Blot), they
had increased serum immunoglobulins,
depressed CD4 lymphocyte count and mani­
fested evidence of symptomatic HIV infec­
tion (AIDS-indicator conditions diagnosed
definitively or presumptively, or recurrent
bacterial infections) that met criteria included
in the 1987 pediatric AIDS surveillance case
definition(7).

monitoring,
elevated
serum
lactate
dehydrogenase (LDH), presence of diffuse
infiltrates on the chest radiograph and
response to co-trimoxazole(7,8); in one child
who failed to respond to co-trimoxazole,
diagnosis was confirmed by post-morterm
lung biopsy. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia
(LIP) was diagnosed on the basis of chronic
cough and presence of reticulonodular
opacities on the chest radiograph, with or
without hilar lymphadenopathy, persisting for
more than 2 months and unresponsive to
antimicrobial or antituberculous therapy(7).
Esophageal candidiasis was diagnosed in the
presence of recent onset of retrosternal pain
on swallowing and oral candidiasis(7) and
resolution of symptoms with fluconazole
therapy; diagnosis was confirmed with a
barium swallow in one of the 4 patients.
Tuberculosis was diagnosed on the basis of
chronic cough and fever, failure to thrive and
weight loss, persistent radiographic findings
despite adequate antibiotic therapy; and
clinical and radiological improvement with
antituberculous therapy(9). Encephalopathy
was diagnosed using CDC criteria(6).

Serological diagnosis of HIV infection
was made on repeatedly reactive ELISA
testing (UBI HIV 1/2 EIA, Beijing United
Biomedical Ltd., China; DETECT HIV,
Biochem Immunosystems Inc., Canada;
ABBOTT EIA PLUS, Abbott, USA) and
confirmed by Western blot (HIV Blot 2.2
Gene Labs, Singapore; IMMUNOBLOT
INNOLIA, Immunogenetics, Belgium). HIV
RNA testing was done using an RT-PCR
assay (AmplicorHIV 1 Monitor Test Version
1.5, Roche Diagnostics, NJ, U.S.A.). CD4
lymphocyte subset testing was done using a
flowcytometer (Becton Dickinson Facscan,
USA) or using an ELISA test (Capcellia CD4/
8, Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur, France).
Addtional investigations were done as
clinically indicated.

Only 7 children were started on anti­
retroviral therapy owing to cost constraints.
Coexisting infections were treated using
appropriate antimicrobial drugs. All severely
immunosuppressed children and, after 1995,
all HIV-exposed infants aged 6 weeks to
12 months received prophylaxis against
Pneumocystis carinii (10). Data from the
questionnaires and clinical case records was
entered and analyzed using the software SPSS
for Windows (Version 7.5).

Microbiological confirmation of diag­
nosis of tuberculosis and Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia (PCP) was not always
possible. In such cases guidelines from the
1987 CDC surveillance case definition were
used. PCP was diagnosed based on findings of
persistent cough and/or tachypnea with
minimal findings on auscultation, hypoxemia
on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas
INDIAN PEDIATRICS

Results

Eighty-eight children, 50 boys and 38
girls, were included in the study. Seventy­
seven (87%) of the .88 had acquired infection
by perinatal transmission. Nine children
58

VOLUME 3 9-J ANUARY 17,2002

GO
BRIEF REPORTS

Table I enumerates the various clinical
manifestations seen in these children.
Organisms isolated from pus culture from
abscesses and suppurative foci were Group A
beta-hemolytic streptococci, enterococci,
coagulase-negative
staphylococci
and
Staphylococcus aureus, and from ear pus in
children with recurrent otitis media were
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Proteus
mirabilis.

(10%) acquired infection following blood
transfusion. Three children with thalassemia,
one with Fanconi anemia and one with
classical hemophilia developed infection
following multiple blood transfusions that
started between 1986 to 1993; of these, one
child acquired the infection as late as 1998.
Three children were transfused with their
fathers’ blood in the neonatal period in 1989,
1990 and 1994, respectively; the fathers were
later found to be HIV positive and the mothers
HIV negative. The ninth child was transfused
with an unrelated donor’s blood in 1994
following a road traffic accident; both parents
were HIV negative. In two children the mode
of transmission could not be ascertained. In a
15 month old child infection was proved by
HIV RNA testing but both parents were
negative on repeated testing using both
ELISA and Western Blot and there was no
definite history of blood or blood product
transfusion. In another 10-year-old asympto­
matic girl whose mother was HIV negative
sexual abuse was considered. Her father had
died a year previously reportedly with
tuberculosis and genital ulcers.

Of the 23 children with recurrent diarrhea,
enteric pathogens were isolated in only five
(Salmonella typhimurium, enteropathogenic
E.coli, Vibrio cholerae (2 children) and
Shigella sonnet). The organisms isolated in
blood culture from the six children with
documented septicemia were Staphylococcus
aureus (2 children), coagulase-negative
staphylococci, Enterococcus faecalis (2
children), Salmonella typhimurium, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In all three
children with meningitis no organisms were
isolated on CSF culture, and antigen detection
for H. influenzae type b, pneumococcus and
cryptococcus were negative.

All 12 children diagnosed to have
tuberculosis (11 pulmonary and 1 miliary)
had parents with pulmonary tuberculosis. The
Mantoux test was positive (10 x IO mm) in
only two; induration was less than 5 mm in the
remaining children. Acid fast bacilli (AFB)
were seen in smear and isolated in culture
from fasting gastric juice in only 4 children
though at least three specimens were
collected from each child with suspected
tuberculosis. Radiographic findings in the 11
children with pulmonary tuberculosis
revealed only a right hilar node in 1 child,
diffuse infiltrates in 4 children, and segmental
or lobar lesions in 6 (of whom 2 had pleural
effusions and 2 had hilar adenopathy in
addition). Of the 12 children, 3 have
completed therapy, 4 are-still on treatment and

The median duration of follow up was 8
months (range 1 to 156 months). Twenty­
seven children are still on regular follow up.
Ten children died, and 51 children were lost to
follow up at varying periods following
diagnosis of HIV infection.

Twelve children were asymptomatic
(category N). Seventy-six children were
symptomatic, with 18 children in category A,
27 in category B and 31 in category C. The
age at onset of symptoms ranged from 1
month to . 10 years. Thirty six of the 76 (47%)
became symptomatic before 12 months of
age; all but 3. were infected perinatally. The
remaining 40 became symptomatic at 20 to
120 months of age; 35 were infected
perinatally.
INDIAN PEDIATRICS

59

VOLUME 39—JANUARY 17, 2002

11
BRIEF REPORTS

TABLE 1-Frequency of Clinical Manifestations oj
HIV Infection

regular follow up and are responding, 4
children were lost to follow up and one child
died due to fulminant hepatitis 2 weeks after
initiating anti-tuberculous therapy.

Number

Percentage

55#
46
33*
23
19
19+
16
12

72
60
43
30
25
25
21
16

Six
children
were
presumptively
diagnosed to have PCP; CD4 counts done in 4
of these children showed evidence of severe
immunosuppression in 3. All six had oral
candidiasis. Two died in hospital; one was 41/z
months old and the other 21/z years old; post­
mortem lung biopsy done in one showed
presence of P. carinii cysts in the alveolar
spaces.

Category B Symptoms
44
Failure to thrive
23
Recurrent diarrhea
20
Candidiasis (oral)
13
Pneumonia (single episode)
11
Pulmonary tuberculosis
6
Septicemia
3
Meningitis
3
Giant molluscum contagiosum
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia 2
2
Hepatitis
1
Cardiomyopathy

58
30
26
17
14
8
4
4
2.6
2.6
1.3

Of the 21 children with evidence of
encephalopathy by CDC criteria, 11 had
progressive encephalopathy, with regression
of milestones, spasticity and hyperreflexia;
one had dysarthric speech, two had ataxia,
two had hemiplegia and two . had wellcontrolled seizures in addition. We were able
to obtain CT scans in only two children; both
showed evidence of cortical atrophy and one
child had basal ganglia calcifications in
addition.

Category A Symptoms
Hepatomegaly
Lymphadenopathy
Splenomegaly
Papular urticaria
Pyoderma (recurrent)
Dermatoses (other)
Otitis (recurrent)
Parotitis (recurrent)

Category C Symptoms
Encephalopathy

Pneumonia (recurrent)

21
(Progressive 11)
14

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
Esophageal candidiasis
Pyopericardium
Septic arthritis
Miliary tuberculosis
CMV pneumonia

6
4
1
1
1
1

Ten children died. Six of the ten were
younger than 12 months, and the oldest was
50 months old at death. Documented (by post­
mortem biopsy) causes of death in 4 of the 6
children who died in hospital were
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in one,
cytomegaloviral (CMV) pneumonia in one,
dilated cardiomyopathy in one, and fulminant
hepatitis in one. The fifth child died in
hospital following an attack of cholera with
persistent acidosis and hypokalemia, and in
the sixth a clinical diagnosis of PCP was
made, but we were unable to confirm the
diagnosis as the parents refused permission
for post-mortem lung biopsy. Four children
died at home; one had acute watery diarrhea,
two died of bronchopneumonia that did not
respond to oral antibiotics, and the fourth died

28

18

8
5
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3

# includes 3 children with hepatomegaly due to
thalassemia.
* includes 2 children with splenomegaly due to
thalassemia.
+ seborrheic dermatitis, yiral warts, varicella zoster,
oral herpes simplex, pediculosis, icthyosis: 1 pa­
tient each; 2 patients with herpes zoster and tinea
infection, 1.1 patients with scabies.
INDIAN PEDIATRICS

60

VOLUME 39—JANUARY. 17, 2002

^"2BRIEF REPORTS

at home with severe progressive ence­
phalopathy.

Discussion

Though our data show that the mode of
acquisition and clinical manifestations of
pediatric HIV/AIDS in India are not
substantially different from that reported in
other countries, there are several important
aspects of the disease that we would like to
highlight.
Transfusion-associated transmission of
HIV continues to occur in India despite
regulations requiring screening of donors,
either because screening procedures are not
being followed or because transmission may
occur despite screening. The former is likely
in the case of the children infected from
transfusions from their fathers. Many small
hospitals without access to blood banks may
transfuse patients with blood from a close
relative without screening in the mistaken
belief that the blood would be safe. Our data
shows that this is not necessarily true and that
unscreened blood must not be used,
irrespective of the donor.

Our data also shows that a bimodal
progression occurs in Indian children, as
described in other countries(l 1). A significant
proportion of patients present in infancy and
have severe disease and early death, while
children surviving beyond 5 years of age tend
to have only moderate signs and symptoms
and have longer survival.

urticaria, thought to be due to a hyper­
sensitivity reaction to environmental factors
or allergens such as insect saliva or mosquito
bites, was commonly seen in our patients.
This condition has been described as one of
the initial manifestations of HIV infection in
Haitian adults and children(l3,14).
Respiratory infections were a common
problem in our series. Microbiological
confirmation of tuberculosis and Pneumo­
cystis carinii penumonia was not always
possible, and diagnosis was often pres­
umptive, based on clinical criteria and
response to therapy. As in other studies from
India and other tropical countries(4,13),
bacterial pneumonia occurred more fre­
quently than PCP and LIP. This may reflect
the greater importance of bacterial infections
in tropical countries as well as limited
diagnostic options for the diagnosis of PCP
and LIP. A recent Indian study has shown a
4% incidence of PCP when confirmed with
bronchoalveolar lavage(4). In India, where
definitive diagnosis using bronchoalveolar
lavage or lung biopsy are seldom feasible,
using presumptive criteria for early diagnosis
of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and PCP
prophylaxis in infants of HIV-positive mother
may prevent one of the major causes of death
in infancy.
Our experience is similar to other studies
showing that HIV-infected children with
tuberculosis often have a negative tuberculin
test(3,15), the proportion of children with
positive smears or cultures is low(16), and
that clinical and radiological features do not
differ from children without HIV infection.

The common clinical manifestations of
HIV infection such as hepatomegaly,
generalized lymphadenopathy and spleno­
megaly, and skin infections, recurrent
diarrhea, and failure to thrive are the same as
in studies of HIV-infected children in both
Western(12) and tropical countries(13), and
in recent reports from India(3,4). Papular
INDIAN PEDIATRICS

The high incidence of encephalopathy in
this series of children is comparable to other
studies in both developed(17) and developing
countries(4,18), and highlights the need for
developmental and neurological assessment
of the HIV-infected child at each visit.
61

VOLUME 39—JANUARY 17, 2002

BRIEF REPORTS

Key Messages

• Though the predominant route of transmission of HIV infection is vertical, transmission
via blood transfusion still takes place.

• There was evidence of a bimodal progression of disease due to HIV infection.
• Clinical manifestations of HIV infection were similar to those described in developed
countries, except that bacterial infections were commoner than opportunistic infections.


In the absence of easily affordabie antiretroviral therapy, prompt diagnosis and treatment
of bacterial infections, and PCP prophylaxis may be the keys to prolonging life and ensuring
optimal health in children with HIV infection.

Among the 10 children who died, the
predominant causes of death were respiratory.
Since a proportion of these could be due to
PCP, prophylaxis for all HIV-exposed infants
from 6 weeks to 12 months of age may be
important in reducing mortality.
Contributors: VPV and TC designed the study,
enrolled the patients, carried out follow up, analyzed
the data and prepared the manuscript. AJC helped
with patient enrolment and follow up. PGB
performed the serology. TJJ, CK and PR assisted in
patient enrollment, data analysis and manuscript
preparation.
Funding: None.

5.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Revised surveillance case definition for HIV
Infection. Mor Mortal Wkly Rep 1999;
48(RR13): 29-31.

6.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Revised classification system for human
immunodeficiency virus infection in children
less than 13 years of age. Mor Mortal Wkly
Rep 1994;43(RR 12): 1-10.

7.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Revision of the CDC surveillance case
definition for Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome. Mor Mortal Wkly Rep 1987;
36(Suppl): 1S-15S.

8.

O’Brien RF. In search of shortcuts: Definitive
and indirect tests in the diagnosis of
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS.
Am Rev Resp Dis 1989; 139: 1324-1327.

9.

Chintu C, Bhat G, Luo C, Raviglione M,
Diwan V, Dupont HL, et al. Seroprevalence
of human immunodeficiency virus type 1
infection in Zambian
children
with
tuberculosis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1993; 12:
499-504.

10.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1995 Revised guidelines for prophylaxis
against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia for
children infected with or perinatally exposed
to human immunodeficiency virus. Mor
Mortal Wkly Rep 1995; 44(RR 4): 1-10.

11.

Italian Register for HIV infections in
Children. Features of children perinatally

Competing interests: None stated.

REFERENCES
1.

Quinn TC. Global burden of the HIV
pandemic. Lancet 1996; 348: 99-106.

2.

Sen S, Mishra NM, Giri T, Pande I, Khare SD,
Kumar A, et al.. Acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome
(AIDS)
in
multi-transfused
children with thalassemia. Indian Pediatr
1993;30:455-460.

3.

Dhurat R, Manglani M, Sharma R, Shah NK.
Clinical spectrum of HIV infection. Indian
Pediatr 2000; 37: 831-836.

4.

Merchant RH, Oswal JS, Bhagwat RV,
Karkare J. Clinical profile of HIV infection.
Indian Pediatr 2001; 38: 239-246.

INDIAN PEDIATRICS

62

volume 39-january 17, 2002

BRIEF REPORTS

clinical presentation and outcome of
tuberculosis among children in Abidjan, Cote
D’Ivoire. AIDS 1997; 11: 1151-1158.

infected with HIV-1 surviving longer than 5
years. Lancet 1994; 343: 191-195.
Galli L, deMartino M, Tovo P-A, Gabiano C,
Zappa M, Giaquinto C. et al. Onset of clinical
signs in children with HIV-1 perinatal
infection. AIDS 1995; 9: 455-461.

12.

16.

Garay JE. Clinical presentation of pulmonary
tuberculosis in under 10s and differences in
AIDS related cases: A cohort study of 115
patients. Trop Doctor 1997; 27: 139-142.

17.

Cooper ER, Hanson C, Diaz C, Mendez H,
Abboud R, Nugent R, et al. Encephalopathy
and progression of human immunodeficiency
virus disease in a cohort of children with
perinatally acquired human immuno­
deficiency virus infection. J Pediatr .1998;
132: 808-812.

18.

Mukadi YD, Wiktor SZ, Coulibaly I-M,
Coulibaly D, Mbengue A, Folquet AM, et al.
Impact of HIV infection on the development,

Drotar D, Olness K, Wiznitzer M, Guay L,
Marum L, Svilar G, et al. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of Ugandan infants
with human immunodeficiency virus type 1
infection. Pediatrics 1997; 100: e5.

Evaluation of Chronic Cough in
Children: Clinical and Diagnostic
Spectrum and Outcome of
Specific Therapy

tracheobronchial tree from potentially
injurious substances and by removal of
endogenous secretions and other materials,
such as pus, necrotic tissue and foreign
bodies(l).

V.S. Dani
Sandeep S. Mogre
Rajendra Saoji

Chronic cough needs to be evaluated for
the underlying disease in a systematic manner
regarding the nature of cough, timing of
cough, onset of cough, site of pathology,
associated clinical features, response to

13.

!

14.

15.

*

Jean SS, Reed GW, Verdier R-l, Pape JW,
Johnson WD, Wright PF. Clinical
manifestations of human immunodeficiency
virus infection in Haitian children. Pediatr
Infect Dis J 1997; 16: 600-606.
Liautaud B, Pape JW, DeHovitz JA, Thomas
F, LaRoche AC, Verdier RI, et al. Pruritic
skin lesions: A common initial presentation
of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
Arch-Dermatol 1989; 125: 629-632.

<

From the Department of Pediatrics, Indira Gandhi
Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maha­
rashtra, India.
Correspondence to: Dr. Mrs. V.S. Dani, Gandhi Sagar

Cough may be voluntary or involuntary,
infrequent and hardly noticeable or painful,
disruptive and debilitating. Cough may be
viewed as a continuum of health through
disease and is a useful host defense
mechanism. Cough gives protection to the
INDIAN’ PEDIATRICS

(East), Mahal, Nagpur 440 002, Maharashtra,

India.
Manuscript received: January 29, 2001;
Initial review completed: March 13, 2001;
Revision accepted: June 13, 2001.
63

VOLUME 39—JANUARY 17, 2002

WORLD HE >MTH OR'^ANIZATlQN ■ FAMiLY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CLUSTER •DEPARTMENT OP

Contents

2. Use of antiretroviral drugs for MTCTprevention
3
I

Primary prevention of HIV infection among future parents and

l avoidance of unwanted pregnancies among women infected with
i HIV are fundamental long term strategies in the prevention of
; transmission of HIV to infants. However, many HIV-infected

; women become pregnant and others may acquire HIV infection
j during pregnancy. The use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and delivery has been shown to be i
| effective in reducing the transmission of HIV from mothers to infants. These regimens reduce the risk

|

I of MTCT by decreasing viral replication in the mother and through prophylaxis of the infant during and
I after exposure to the virus.
! This section reviews the evidence available to date on efficacy and safety of antiretroviral regimens,
| including those based on nevirapine, for MTCT-prevention.

I
I

Remarkable reductions in paediatric HIV infection rates have been observed in industrialized countries

■ since 1994 when the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG) protocol 076 showed that
j administration of zidovudine to women from the fourteenth week of pregnancy and during labour, and
i to the newborn decreased the risk of MTCT by nearly 70% in the absence of breastfeeding? When

________ ______

I combined with elective caesarean section this regimen resulted in <a transmission rate of 2% or less, in

non-breastfeeding populations/'0 The use of combination antiretroviral regimens, known as highly
; active antiretroviral therapy or HAART, for the treatment of HIV-infected individuals has resulted in
i similar low vertical transmission rates when used by pregnant women.9
I
I The cost and complexity of these regimens have restricted their use in resource-poor settings.
I

i
I

i
I

I

i

However, from 1998, a shorter zidovudine alone regimen starting from 36th week of pregnancy was

!

I shown to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV at 6 months by 50% in a non-breastfeeding
population12 and by 37% in breastfeeding populations.^12 Other clinical trials have shown that short
course antiretroviral regimens using the combination zidovudine and lamivudine,12 or nevirapine alone1^

i

also substantially decrease the risk of HIV transmission (Table 3).

I

I
I

I
1

i
i

Ii


|

Ij
I

1

|
t

I

*

Table 3. Use of antiretroviral regimens for MTCT-prevention

Reference):

Schedule^

PraaicaHty

Effica^*/Trahsmission Rates/Comments

NON-BREASTFEEDING POPULATIONS

ACTG076/
ANRS0246
ZDV

Pregnancy: from wk 14
lOOmg 5 times dly.
Intrapartum:
2mg/kg intravenous (IV)
infusion over 1 h,
continuous hly IV infusion
of 1 rng/kg
Postpartum Infant:
2 mg/kg orally 6 hly for 6
wks

Thai short
course'13
ZDV

Pregnancy: from wk 36
300mg twice dly
Intrapa rtum:
300mg 3 hly

PH PT,
Thailand12
ZDV

Long-Short,
Long-Long
Pregnancy: from wk 28
300mg twice dly
Intrapartum: 300mg 3
hly
Postpartum Infant:
2mg/kg 6 hly for 3 days or
6 wks
Short-Long
Pregnancy: from wk 35
300mg twice dly
Intra partum:
300mg 3 hly
Postpartum Infant.
2mg/kg 6 hly for 6 wks

+++

4- + 4- +

18-mth efficacy 68%
18-mths transmission rate 8%
Original regimen.
Requires extensive resources.

+++

++

+++

+++

++

6-mth efficacy 50%
6-mths transmission rate 9%

7
I

6-mths transmission rate 6%
May be slightly better than 'Thai short course'

++ +

+++

6-mths transmission rate 8%
Similar to 'Thai short course'

I

BREASTFEEDING POPULATIONS

i

I

i

BREASTFEEDING POPULATIONS

CDC, W
Africa12
ZDV

Pregnancy:
from wk 36
300mg twice dly
Intrapartum:
300mg 3 hly

DITRAME/
ANRS 049a
W Africali
ZDV

Pregnancy:
from wk 36
300mg twice dly
Intrapartum: 600mg
Postpartum mother:
300mg twice dly for 1
week

PETRA Arm
A13
ZbV+3TC

Pregnancy: from wk 36
ZDV+3TC twice dly
intrapartum: ZDV 3hly/
3TC twice dly
Postpartum mother:
ZDV+3TC
twice dly for 1 wk
Postpartum Infant:
ZDV+3TC
twice dly for 1 wk

PETRA Arm

Intrapartum: ZDV 3hly/
3TC twice dly
Postpartum mother:
ZDV/3TC twice dly for 1
wk
Postpartum Infant:
ZDV+3TC twice daily for 1
wk

& SAINT18
ZDV+3TC

HIVNET 012h
& SAINT18
NVP

Intrapartum: 200mg at
start of labour (HIVNET) or
at hospital intrapartum
(SAINT)
Postpartum mother:
200mg stat (SAINT only)
Postpartum Infant:
2mg/kg stat within 48 hrs
(SAINT) or
72 hrs (HIVNET 012)

z

V'

+++

++

6-mth efficacy 37%
3-mths transmission rate 17%

++

++

6*-mth efficacy 38%;
6 mths transmission rate 18%
Pooled 24-mth W African data
CDC/DITRAME: 28% efficacy and transmission
rate 22%

+++

6-wk efficacy 54%
6-wks transmission rate 7%

+

+++

PETRA: 6-wk efficacy 39%
6-wk transmission rate 10%
SAINT: 6-wk transmission rate 10%
Programmatically attractive because of
simplicity and relatively low cost.

++++

HIVNET 012: 14-16-wk efficacy 47%;
6-wks transmission rate 12%
12-mth efficacy 42%;
12-mths transmission rate 16%
SAINT: 8-wks transmission rate 13%
Programmatically very attractive because of
simplicity and very low cost. Concerns over
drug resistance in women who have access to
ARV therapy.

Efficacy: Percentage reduction in HIV transmission rate in active arm compared with placebo, except for NVP which was
compared in HIVNET012 with a probably ineffective regimen consisting of intrapartum ZDV for the mother and 1 week post­
partum for the infant
ZDV: Zidovudine 3TC: Lamivudine NVP: Nevirapine ARV: Antiretroviral
Adapted from: Efficacy of Antiretroviral Regimens for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and Some
Programmatic Issues : Farley T, Buyse D, Gaillard P, Perriens J. Background documents for WHO Technical Consultation
October 2000.4

o

Short term efficacy as determined by infant's infection status at 6-8 weeks of life has been

demonstrated for the short course prophylactic regimens comprising zidovudine alone, zidovudine plus
lamivudine, or nevirapine alone. Long term efficacy as determined by the child's infection status at 24
months of age has been evaluated for the short course zidovudine regimen, and at 18 months of age

for the nevirapine regimen, in breastfeeding populations.^ Available data indicate that the proportion

of children acquiring HIV through breastfeeding was comparable in both these regimens and the early
difference in reduction of HIV transmission persisted despite continued exposure to HIV through
breastfeeding. Assessment of the long-term efficacy of the zidovudine plus lamivudine regimen in such
populations is still in progress.

All regimens include an intrapartum component, with varying duration of antepartum and/or
postpartum prophylaxis. While the efficacy of the more complex regimens which include antepartum,
intrapartum and postpartum components is somewhat higher^the single dose nevirapine regimen
provided during labour to the mother and postpartum to the infant has also been shown to be
efficacious and is more practical.
——

2,2 g
For women and infants who are offered antiretroviral prophylaxis of MTCT, the risk associated with

exposure to one or more drugs must be weighed against the benefit of reducing the risk of transmission
to infants of a fatal infection. Short-term safety and tolerance of the antiretroviral prophylactic
regimens has been demonstrated in all the controlled clinical trials on MTCT-prevention. Collection of

data on long-term safety and on patterns of resistance to the antiretroviral drugs is ongoing.

2.3 choice ot antiretroviral reyimenfs)
The choice of regimen(s) to be included in a MTCT-prevention programme should be detecmined by

assessment of feasibility, efficacy, acceptability and cost. However, it should be noted that drug costs
may represent only a fraction of the costs of the services that are required for an effective MTCTprevention programme.

Practical considerations in choosing antiretroviral regimens for MTCT-prevention

I

nr
1

.

5... i'

-------.............................. -........

Baa

'• - - ? < ■ •} .■'

......... - — ....................... .......... . .............. ——...
Proportion.erf;births .occurring in±ealiK.rarefe
......----------

. /

r:.. • _

r.-. • -. -

. - /

:. ■ ..'r:.-.

2=4 Use of nevirapine for MTCT-prevention
In recent years, the use of nevirapine has attracted considerable attention because of its demonstrated
efficacy in clinical trials in reducing MTCT, low cost and ease of use in MTCT-prevention programmes.
Further information about its use for this purpose is provided below.

Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that binds directly to HIV-1
reverse transcriptase, slowing the rate of viral DNA synthesis and thereby inhibiting viral replication.

Nevirapine is rapidly absorbed when given orally to adults, and has a long elimination half-life ti/2 of
approximately 40 hours. Nevirapine crosses the placenta efficiently after a single oral 200 mg dose to
the mother at the onset of labour. In infants, median ti/2 ranges from 45 to 72 hours for elimination of
the maternal nevirapine, and from 37 to 46 hours for the elimination of a single 2mg/kg neonatal
dose.12

Short-term safety and tolerance of single dose nevirapine has been demonstrated in clinical trials. Data
from 38 women and infant pairs enrolled in the initial phase I trials, PACTG 250 and HIVNET 006,
showed no rash or serious adverse events detected either through laboratory tests of through

observation of clinical symptoms in women or infants, attributable to nevirapine. In the HIVNET 01214
and SAINT studies,15 960 women and infant pairs were exposed to the intrapartum/newborn nevirapine
regimen, there were no significant differences in serious toxicity, occurrence of rash, anaemia, liver
abnormalities or death between nevirapine and short course regimens of zidovudine or

zidovudine/lamivudine in women or infants. In the PACTG 316 study, 1506 women receiving

antiretroviral treatment (usually combination therapy) were randomized to receive extra dose of

nevirapine or placebo at the time of delivery. There was no difference in maternal or infant toxicity
between the two study arms.22 Collection of long-term safety data following administration of single
dose nevirapine is ongoing.
Selection of resistant virus has been observed among some women and infants who received single
dose nevirapine21'22 or lamivudine.22'23 for preventing MTCT. The resistant virus will revert to wild type

susceptible strains within 12 to 24 months after stopping the treatment with nevirapine. The clinical

1

-I I

significance of the emergence of resistance in the context of MTCT prevention programmes is as yet
unknown, particularly with regard to future treatment options for the mother or the child, or to the
outcome of prophylaxis during a subsequent pregnancy if the same drug is used. The WHO Technical

Consultation in October 2000 carefully reviewed the available information and concluded that the
benefit of decreasing mother-to-child HIV transmission with these antiretroviral drug prophylaxis

regimens greatly outweighed concerns related to development of drug resistance.1

Nevirapine and zidovudine were included in the WHO Model List of Essential Drugs in 1999, solely for
the indication of MTCT prevention of HIV.24 The HIVNET 012 regimen of nevirapine used for MTCT-

prevention is a single 200 mg oral tablet to be taken by the mother at the onset of labour and a single
oral dose of nevirapine in suspension (2 mg/kg) to be given to the newborn within 72 hours of birth.
Experience in the field suggests that the oral tablet for the mother can be taken at home at onset of
labour. However, it is essential that the child should be brought to a health facility within 72 hours of

birth for the oral dose of nevirapine in suspension.
Previous section I Contents I Next section

Copyright © World Health Organization 2001. This document is not a formal publication of the World Health

I

Organization (WHO), and all rights are reserved by the Organization. The document may, however, be freely
reviewed, abstracted, reproduced or translated, in part or in whole, but not for sale or for use in conjunction with

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I

;

f
I

HIV Physician Training Course 2002,
Christian Medical College, Vellore

DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE

SAFE BLOOD BANKING
Author: JoyMammen

Course Organiser : Anand Zachariah
Distance Learning Expert: Janet Grant, Open University, UK
This course is supported by the European Commission through grant number
IND/B76211/1B/1999/0379 provided to the HIV/STI Prevention and Care Research
Programme of the Population Council India.

MODULE 4
‘J

1

MODULE 4

OVERVIEW
This module will help you examine blood safety procedures in your

institution's blood bank or that in your locality and to consider what
improvements are needed in blood banking in your own situation.

Millions of lives are saved by blood transfusion. However people who receive
blood that has not been properly collected or tested are at risk of developing
transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) including HIV, Hepatitis B,

Hepatitis C and malaria. In India it is estimated that 0.8 % of all HIV infection
is transfusion-related (24,000 cases of estimated 3,000,000 HIV positive
individuals). The problem of transfusion-related hepatitis C is even greater.

A safe blood supply can be achieved only if:
(a) Blood donors are volunteers and not paid to donate blood and a large

pool of such volunteers is maintained.

(b) Potential donors are interviewed by trained staff to exclude those who
are at high risk of harboring TTIs.

(c) All blood is screened appropriately for TTIs including HIV, Hepatitis B

and C and malaria.
(d) Unnecessary blood transfusions are
i
avoided by educating medical
staff on the transfusion guidelines.
All blood banks should aim to achieve these standards of blood safety.

OBJECTIVES
After completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Understand the advantages of voluntary donation and consider ways of

increasing your local volunteer donor pool.

2

MODULE 4

2. Outline the procedure for donor evaluation and to exclude individuals at
high risk of TTIs.
3. Enumerate the appropriate tests for screening for transfusion transmissible

infections (TTIs) and their standards.
4. List indications for use of blood and blood components.
5. Examine your set-up with regard to blood safety and consider ways in

which existing safety standards can be improved.

CONTENTS
No.

4.1

4.2

4.3

Title

Activity

Voluntary Blood Donation

15

3

Readings

Types of Blood Donors-lndia

5

31

Prevalence of TTIs

5

32

Professional blood donors

5

32

Activity

Creating a volunteer pool

10

5

Reading

Safe blood starts with me

Activity

Finding out about

4.5

4.6

7-9

20

10

of blood donors

10

38

Activity

Blood Screening for TTIs

30

13

Reading

Risk of TTIs

10

39

Activity

Clinical transfusion guidelines

30

16

Readings

Definition of blood and blood

5

40

Clinical transfusion guidelines

15

41

Activity

Staff education in transfusion

15

19

Readings

Clinical transfusion guidelines

15

41-42

Tutor Marked Assignment

60

27-29

Total estimated study time

275

Activity

Donor Evaluation

Reading

Criteria for exclusion

components

4.7

34

60

local blood bank

4.4

Time (min) Page

3
Before

you

Activity

start

4.3

Activity

yy Finding out

MODULE 4
we

4.1

about

would.

like

you

perform

Xour local blood bank.

will need to visit your local blood bank for this.

You

Only after

completing this should you come back to Activity 4.1.
The aim of the first activity is

different

types

of

blood

to help you think about

donors

and

the

advantages

voluntary donation.

To do

the next activity you

s t udy

"Types

of

the

"Prevalence

tablesr

of

TTIs

-Type

^Professional Blood Donors"

blood
of

Page

31) f

32)

and

(page

(page 32)in the readings.

have finished reading these tables you can

of

will need to

donors-India"

donor"

the

Once you

undertake the next

activi ty.

ACTIVITY 4.1

VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION (15 min)

What

are the advantages of using voluntary donors as the

main source of blood compared to

donors?

1.

2.

3.

family and replacement

4

MODULE 4

FEEDBACK 4.1
What are the advantages of using voluntary donors as the
main source of blood?

1. Voluntary donors have a lower incidence and prevalence of TTIs
than family/replacement donors or paid donors.

2. Voluntary donors are more likely to be willing to donate blood regularly
and in case of emergency.

3. Voluntary donors are not likely to be prone to anemia due to

frequent donations.

5

MODULE 4

The aim of the next activity is to help you consider ways of
increasing your local

volunteer donor pool.

activity you will need to study,

To do

the next

"Safe blood starts with me"

(page 34) in the readings. Once you have finished reading this
section you can undertake the next activity.

AGTIVITY4.2

CREATING A VOLUNTEER POOL (15 min)
The

authorities

encourage

the

in

your

local

volunteer blood donors

hospital

NCC

in

to

been

trying

to

their

cadets

as

have

enrol

your blood bank.

Your blood

bank has requested you to give a talk to the NCC cadets
on the topic,

"Why should I be a voluntary blood donor?".

List the points that you would present in your talk:

1.

)

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

/KrvH

6

MODULE 4

"FEEDBACK 4.2
List the points that you would present in your talk.

1. One unit of blood can save more than one life.
2. Blood is a drug for which there is no other substitute.
3. Voluntary blood donors have been found to have healthy lifestyles and
hence lower rates of transfusion transmissible infections.
4. Blood volume regenerates in 2 hours, blood cells in 2 weeks and iron
stores in 2 months. Therefore donating blood does not result in adverse
health problems.
5. If you have any condition which makes the blood that you donate
unsafe, then you need to inform the doctor who is screening you.
6. You have no risk of acquiring HIV infection by donating blood.
7. A qualified doctor will examine you before blood donation and check
you for any condition that may make blood donation unsafe for you.
8. Donating blood is a good will gesture, a way of sharing your life with
another person.

The

next

activi ty

information

about

is

aimed

at

helping

your blood bank

or

you

find

out

any nearby blood



bank.
For this activity you will need to make a

15-30 minute

visit to the blood bank of your hospital.

If you do not

have

a

blood

bank

then phone

or

visi t

the person

in

charge of the nearest blood bank which your institution

uses.

The information obtained in this activity will be

essential

to

this module.

the completion of subsequent

activi ties in

After completing this activity you will be

required to tear out

the 2 sheets of this activity and

send it with your tutor marked assignment to Vellore.

7

MODULE 4

ACTIVITY 4.3

FINDING OUT ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BLOOD BANK
(60 min)

For this

exercise you need to go to your institution's

blood bank or alternately, speak on the telephone to the
person in charge of the blood bank nearest to your place.

Find out the following information from the bank:
l.What is the volume of blood supplied by your bank?

No. of units/year

2. Which of the following does your bank transfuse:

(tick against those items that are applicable)
Whole blood

Packed cells

Platelet-rich concentrate

Cryoprecipitate

Plasma

3. What is the proportion of different donors?


8

MODULE 4
Proportion
(%)

Voluntary

non-remunerated
donations

Family/Replacement
donations
Paid donations

4. Does your blood bank have an officer?

Yes / No
5. Identify:
a. Which of the following screening tests are used
in your blood bank.
b. Which kits are used.

c. Look at the literature on the pamphlet of the

kit to determine the sensitivity of the tests.
d. Find out the rate of infection by these tests
in the donor population
(during a recent

period).





9

MODULE 4

Sensitivity of Rate
Test

Kit used

the test

of

infection
in donors

HIV ELISA

9

?

HbsAg

Ant-HCV

Malarial
smear

6. Does your bank conduct education campaigns to encourage

volunteer donation?
Yes / No

7. Does your bank have a register of volunteer donors who

can be contacted?
Yes /No

8. Does your blood bank have written guidelines regarding
indications for blood and component transfusion?

Yes/ No

'^FEEDBACK 4.3
This information will be needed as you do the subsequent
exercises and we will come back to these shortly. After
completing this activity you will need to tear out the 2
sheets of activity 4.3 and send it along with your tutor

marked assignment in the addressed envelop.

10

MODULE 4

This activity aims to improve your knowledge in relation
to

donor

evaluation

and

develop

a

protocol

for

donor

evaluation. Before doing the activity, read yyCriteria for
exclusion of blood donors"

(page 38)in the reader,

Once

you have finished reading the criteria you can undertake

the next activity.

Activity 4.4
DONOR EVALUATION (20 min)

Prepare a donor evaluation form for your blood bank using

the format given below. Use the history and examination

sub-headings to list your points.

HISTORY * Recent * Past * Personal * Family * Treatment *

Systems review

)KiV■

/

./

)

11

EXAMINATION

Respiratory

*

General

MODULE 4

*

Abdomen



Cardiac

*

12

MODULE 4

FEEDBACK 4.4
Prepare a donor evaluation form for your blood bank using
the format given below.

HISTORY

Recent - Fever, infections, weight loss, genital ulcer, genital discharge,
gland enlargement, jaundice.

Past - Jaundice, TB, major illness, anaemia, cancer, STDs, cardiac or lung
condition , recurrent diarrhoea.
Personal - number of sex partners, IV drug use, MSM (men who have sex

with men) behaviour, alcohol abuse.

Treatment - Drugs being received, history of blood donation, received
blood

transfusion,

frequent

injections, surgeries,

previous

medical

diagnosis.

Systems review - Hepatic or haematological problems.

EXAMINATION
General: Pallor, skin lesions, jaundice, oral Candida, tattoo marks, IV drug

use marks, high and low blood pressure
Abdomen: Liver, spleen enlargement.
Cardiac: Evidence of cardiac disease.

Respiratory. Evidence of respiratory disease.

13
The

next

exercise

helps

blood

MODULE 4

you

examine

screening

the

risk

of

TTI

how

this

may

be

despite

adequate

reduced.

Tn order to do this exercise read "Risk of TTI

from

adequately

reader.

screened

and

blood"

Once you have read

(page

this you

can

from

the

undertake

the

39)

activity.

ACTIVITY 4.5

BLOOD SCREENING FOR TTIs (30 min)
1. Calculation

of risk of

infection

from transfusion of

adequately screened blood in your blood bank:

Use the data from the above reading and the total volume
of

blood

transfused

in

your

blood

bank

in

a

year

to

calculate the risk of infection from transfusion.
Eg. Risk of transfusion for HIV 1/ 493,000
If total number of units transfused = N,
Risk of HIV from adequately screened blood in your

blood bank =

N x 1/493,000

Risk of infection from transfusion in 1 year:

HIV-

Hepatitis C -

Hepatitis B -

2. What is the ideal sensitivity of a test to be used for

screening in blood bank?

14

3. Give

the

reasons

why

MODULE 4

there

are

small

risks

of

risks

of

transfusion despite properly screened blood.
1.

G>aT

c/

2.

3.

4. What

are

ways

of

further

reducing

the

transfusion?

\

1.

2.

1^. C-AA'<.O-

3.

7^.

4.

7

c
’V'sQ <• C^Li

15

MODULE 4

FEEDBACK 4.5
1. Calculation of risk of infection from transfusion of
adequately screened blood in your blood bank:
Risk of infection from transfusion in 1 year -

HIV - N/493,000
Hepatitis C-N/103,000

Hepatitis B-N/63,000

(N = Number of transfusions in a year)
figures may not

These

because

they

are

be

derived

accurate

for your blood bank

from

results

the

of

another

study.

2 . What is the ideal sensitivity of a test to be used

for screening in blood bank?
> 99%

3. The reasons why there are small risks of transfusion

despite properly screened blood.
1. Donation during window period

2. Errors in the test
3. Clerical errors

4 . What are ways of reducing the risk of transfusion
further?

16

MODULE 4

1. Using higher sensitivity tests which further reduce the window period

2. Rejection of donors who may be at high risk of infections
3. Ensure that kits are in good condition
4. Maintain a quality control system for the tests and also check that
Drug Controller of India has approved the tests.

5. Better systems to reduce clerical errors.

This

activity

aims

to

improve

your

knowledge

regarding

the

clinical guidelines for blood and blood component transfusion.

Before

doing

the

activity,

read

^Definition

of

blood

components" (page 41-42)

and ^Clinical transfusion guidelines"

in the reader.

Once you have finished reading these

(page 41)

you can undertake the next activity.

ACTIVITY 4.6

CLINICAL TRANSFUSION GUIDELINES (30 min)
Study the following clinical scenarios.
(a)

Indicate

in

column

indicated

(b)

Indicate

2

would use in your set up.

whether

which

transfusion

blood

product

is
you

17

MODULE 4

Case Scenario

transfu

Type

sion

blood

Indicat

product

of

ed
1 A 45 year old woman presents with tiredness

0/E koilonychias.
failure.

pallor,

Haemoglobin

6

no signs of cardiac



Microcytosis

g%

OZ/j

Hypochromia ++

2 A patient following a road traffic accident has
external

haemorrhage

and

is

found

be

to

in

shock

3 A patient with chronic liver disease comes to
the OPD with ascites.

Prothombin time

(PT) :

seconds,

-14

Partial

control

thromboplastin

time

seconds.

(PTT):

30

Patient

50

4 A patient presents with snake bite and

massive

seconds, control

haematemesis.

^0 p

30 seconds.

Prothombin time

(PT) :

Patient 2

min, control-14 seconds. Partial thromboplastin

time

(PTT):

Patient

3 minutes,

control

30

seconds.

5 A

patient

with

Idiopathic

thrombocytopenic



__---- --- |

thrombocytopenias

(ITP)

c/o

evidence of clinical bleeding.

Purpura.
Platelet

No
count

25, 000/cmm .

6 A patient with aplastic anaemia presents with

echymoses

and nose bleeds.

count 10,000/cmm.

Hb

3 g%,

Platelet

<

18

MODULE 4

FEEDBACK 4.6

1

Indic

Type

ated

product

of

blood

No

Explanation

There is no evidence of haemodynamic
instability and the anemia can be treated

haemateni cs.

2

Yes

Whole blood

Acute blood loss with hypovolemia is a

definite

indication

for

whole

blood

transfusion.
3

No

Coagulopathy without bleeding does not
require FFP transfusion.

4

Yes

Fresh

blood

or

FFP with packed

Coagulopathy with bleeding is a definite
indication for FFP therapy.

cells

5

No

Thrombocytopenia without life threatening
bleeding

does

not

require

platelet

transfusion.

6

Yes

rich

Use specific components in this situation:

concentrate and

packed red cells for anemia and platelet

as

rich concentrate for thrombocytopenia. In

Platelet

packed

cells

needed.

case the components are not available then

Or Fresh blood

fresh blood may be used.

MODULE 4

19

The next activity aims at helping you

think about

ways

that you can educate your staff regarding rational drug

use.

Refer back once again to the

^Clinical transfusion

guidelines" (Page 41-42) before you start this activity.

ACTIVITY 4.7
STAFF EDUCATION IN TRANSFUSION GUIDELINES

(15 min)
You have been concerned regarding the

inappropriate use

of blood products in your hospital. Your department has
asked you to prepare a pamphlet for doctors working in
your hospital to encourage the rational use of available
blood and blood components.

Use the template on the next page to guide you.

20

MODULE 4

PAMPHLET ON RATIONAL BLOOD USE
Introduction

Component

Composition

Appropriate

Inappropriate

Use

use

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21

MODULE 4

-^FEEDBACK 4.7

Introduction
Avoid unnecessary transfusions because of transfusion-associated risks.
Blood is a scarce commodity and should be used sparingly.

Components are preferred to whole blood where possible.
If components are used, many patients can benefit from a single donation.

Check details on blood bag before transfusing to prevent transfusionassociated mishaps.

Appropriate Use

Inappropriate use

Red cells

Acute blood loss

Chronic anemia without

Plasma

Exchange transfusions

symptoms

Compone

Composit

nt

ion

Whole

blood

Small

Platelets

volume

intra­

operative blood loss

Packed

cell

Red cells

Acute blood loss

Chronic anemia without

Symptomatic anaemia

symptoms

Severe

pre-operative

operative blood loss

volume

intra-

operative blood loss

anaemia

Significant

Small

Intra­

22

Platelet

Platelets

MODULE 4

Thrombocytopenia

with

rich

bleeding

concent

Functional

rate

disorders with bleeding

Thrombocytopenia
without bleeding

platelet

(eg. ITP with purpura)

Fresh

Protein

Replacement

of

frozen

Coagulati

coagulation

factors

Eg.

Protein source

plasma

on

Snake

DIG,

liver

Routine

pre-operative

factors

disease with bleeding

and

post-operative

bite,

multiple

Volume expansion

Treatment of bleeding in a cover
Haemophiliac

when

specific

factor

concentrates

available

are

not

23

NOTES

MODULE 4

31

MODULE 4

READINGS

TYPES OF BLOOD DQNORS-INDIA
The cornerstone of a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products is

the recruitment, selection and retention of voluntary, non-remunerated blood
donors from low risk populations.

There are three types of blood donors:
1. Voluntary non-remunerated donor:
A donor who gives blood freely and voluntarily without receiving money or any
other form of payment.

2. Family or replacement donor A donor who gives blood when it is required
by a member of the patient's family or community. This may involve a hidden

paid donation system in which the patienfs family pays the donor.

3. Commercial or professional donor:
A donor who gives blood for money or other form of payment

The following table provides the proportion of different donors based on a
national survey of blood banks in India.

Proportion
Voluntary

non-

remunerated

39.3

donations
Family/Replacement

58.0

donations

The below tables shows the rates of TTIs in different donor groups.

32

MODULE 4

'

X

I I

PREVALENCE OF TTIs-TYPE OF DONOR
Prevalence (per 1000 units screened)

Voluntary

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

HIV

157

0~

0.279

0.328

0.461

donations

Family/Replacement 3.52
donations

PROFESSIONAL BLOOD DONORS

Professional blood donation is currently illegal. Therefore blood bank
statistics do not show the extent of the problem of professional donation.
However professional donors may masquerade as relative replacement

donors.

Paid donors present a major risk to the safety of the blood supply for the
following reasons.

1. Paying donors to give blood undermines the voluntary non­

remunerated system of blood donation which is the foundation of a safe
blood supply.

2. The highest incidence and prevalence of transfusion-transmissible
infections are generally found among commercial or paid donors.

3. They are often undernourished, in poor health and may donate their
blood more frequently than is recommended. This may have harmful

effects on their own health as well as presenting either a risk to the
recipients of their blood or providing them little or no benefit.

4. If donors are paid, it is usually necessary to charge patients for the blood

they receive. Poor families may not be able to afford to pay for blood when
they need it.

33

MODULE 4

5. The ethical basis of paying individuals to provide blood (or any tissue or

organ) is a cause of concern in many countries. The commercial
procurement of blood, plasma and organs often leads to serious abuses

and may result in adverse consequences. These include the transmission of

serious infections both to patients and to the donors themselves through
improper collection methods.

34

MODULE 4

SAFE BLOOD STARTS WITH MF.
Donation of blood is a gesture of goodwill and care for the fellow

human beings. There is no gift more valuable than a Gift of Blood, as it
is actually a Gift of Life for the person who receives it.

A safe blood is the one that does not harm the donor, is free from

infection or other harmful agents, that does no harm to the recipient
and that is used for the benefit of the patients health and well being.
The slogan Safe Blood Starts With Me denotes that it is me who is the

donor of safe blood. This unit of your blood will save life of more than

one patient. As a member of the society it is your responsibility to

donate blood.
You can go to the nearest government approved blood centre, which is

based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and make your
significant contribution to saving life of a patient by donating blood.

Your contribution is extremely valuable to us.
One unit of donated blood can help save lives of more than one

person. One unit of blood can be separated into several components

(such as red cells, platelets and plasma) which can meet the needs of
many patients. For example, red cells can be given to patients with

severe anaemia and platelets can be given to cancer patients.
Trauma victims, cancer patients and patients with inherited blood

disorders require most of the blood.

There is no substitute of blood available. Human blood cannot be
manufactured and human beings are the only source of blood, which

can be used for humans.
Animal blood cannot be used in place of human blood.

Although the requirement of blood is alike throughout the year, there
is usually a seasonal shortage of blood during summer and winter

35

MODULE 4

months as schools and colleges are closed, people go on vacations and

there are fewer available donors. There is an increased need for blood
donation during these times to maintain an adequate blood supply for
all patients needing life-saving blood transfusions.

Blood cannot be stored indefinitely, for example red blood cells can
only be stored for about 5 weeks at a temperature of 4-60C and platelets

survive only for 5 days at 22-24°C. The need for a regular blood
donahon becomes important in view of the limited shelf-life of blood

and blood components.
People who are anaemic cannot donate blood. However, they should

undergo treatment for anaemia and can donate blood once the
haemoglobin is within normal range.

Whole blood donation can be made safely at an interval of 3 months
if the donor has no anaemia risk particularly iron deficiency.

Repeated blood donation at this interval does not cause any sort of

weakness. As pre-menopausal women are more prone to iron

deficiency their donation interval is usually longer.
There is absolutely no risk of getting AIDS or any other disease (such

as hepatitis B and hepatitis C) from donating blood. The blood is

collected using sterile equipment. A new blood bag with attached
sterile disposable needle is used for each blood donor and the needle is

destroyed immediately after the donation.

You can give blood from the age of 18 years to 60 years safely without
any risks at all to your health. It may be a little earlier or later
according to national standards.
You are examined before giving blood about your suitability to give

blood. If there is any risk to your health due to blood donation or there

is any risk to the recipient on receiving the blood, your blood will not

be collected.

36

MODULE 4

You must know that many tests need to be done before blood can be

transfused. It may take about 3 days to do all these tests. If you only
want to donate blood for your family members or friends in need, there
may be no time in emergency situations to collect, test and issue your

blood for a particular patient. Therefore, there is a need to have
sufficient blood available to tackle any emergencies. This is only

possible if healthy volunteers donate blood on a regular basis.

Donating blood does not take a long time. The actual blood collection
procedure takes about 8-10 minutes. Donors are however, encouraged
to spare about one hour for the whole process. The safety of blood
actually depends on answering the donor selection questionnaire

sincerely and honestly. After the donation you must take rest for 10
minutes at least and have a drink to replenish the fluids.

Individuals who have ever suffered from hepatitis B, hepatitis C or
AIDS at any time in their life should not donate blood. Those who

practice high-risk sexual behaviour or abuse intravenous drugs should

also not donate blood. Please remember a little of your time can save

someone's life.
Give blood voluntarily As a blood donor, it is your moral

responsibility to make sure that the blood, which you donate, is safe
and it not likely to transmit any infection, which you may be carrying.
To ensure good donor selection, you will be asked few questions in
confidence about your life style and your sexual history. The purpose

of asking these questions is to select healthy and safe donor for the

needy and sick patients, and collect blood, which is safe and unlikely to
transmit any infection. You must listen to these questions and answer

them as correctly as possible, because we know that you too want to
help a patient who is in real need rather than harming a patient.

37

MODULE 4

Please go and enrol yourself as a voluntary donor. You can either donate
blood at a blood centre or at any of the mobile donor sessions organised by

the blood service.

38

MODULE 4

CRITERIA FOR EXCLUSION OF BLOOD DONORS
1) Age <17, > 60 years.

2) 16 weeks between donations < 3 donations/year.
3) Significant cardiovascular, respiratory, renal disease and neurological
disease requiring treatment, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,

cancer and pregnancy.

4) Donors taking potentially teratogenic drugs or drugs that accumulate

over a long time. Avoid donors taking any drug except Eltroxin and
oral contraceptive pills.

5) Acute bacterial infections and short duration fevers.
6) HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Risk groups:
7) Those who have received a transfusion of blood or blood products
8) Those who have had acupuncture
9) Those who have had tattooing
10) Men who have sex with men
11) Those who have multiple sex partners
12) IV drug abusers
13) Those who have a history of alcohol abuse

14) Anemia

(The above is not a comprehensive list of exclusion criteria.)

39

MODULE 4

RISK OF TTI FROM ADEQUATELY SCREENED
BLOOD
HIV-1 in 493,000 units transfused

Hepatitis C -1 in 103,000 units transfused

Hepatitis B-1 in 63,000 units transfused
(The risk of transfusion associated hepatitis. From: New England Journal of

Medicine June 27,1996)

40
DEFINITION

OF

BLOOD

MODULE 4

AND

BLOOD

COMPONENTS
Blood product: Any therapeutic substance prepared from human blood
Whole blood: Unseparated blood collected into an approved container

containing an anticoagulant-preservative solution

Blood component
1 A constituent of blood, separated from whole blood,
such as:

Red cell concentrate


Red cell suspension



Plasma
Platelet concentrates

2 Plasma or platelets collected by apheresis*

3 Cryoprecipitate, prepared from fresh frozen plasma,

which is rich in Factor VIII and fibrinogen
4 Plasma derivative Human plasma proteins prepared under

pharmaceutical manufacturing conditions, such as:


Albumin



Coagulation factor concentrates



Immunoglobulins

* Apheresis: a method of collecting plasma or platelets directly from
the donor, usually by a mechanical method

41

MODULE 4

CLINICAL TRANSFUSION GUIDELINES
Component

Indications

Contraindications

_ Red cell replacement in acute blood Risk of volume overload in patients
loss with hypovolemia
with:
_ Exchange transfusion
- Chronic anaemia
Patients
needing
red
cell - Incipient cardiac failure
transfusions
where
red
cell
concentrates or
suspensions are not available_______
Red
Cell _ Replacement of red cells in anaemic Same as red cell concentrate
patients
Concentrate
_ Use with crystalloid replacement
fluids or colloid solution in acute
blood loss________________________
Red
cell Same as red cell concentrate
Red cells suspended in additive
solution are not advised for
suspensions
exchange transfusion
of neonates.______________________
Minimizes white cell immunization Will not prevent graft-vs-host
Leucocyte
in patients receiving repeated disease, although it can improve: for
reduced blood
transfusions but, to achieve this, all this purpose,
blood components given to the blood__ components should _ be
patient must be leucocyte-depleted
irradiated where facility is available
_ Reduces risk of CMV transmission (radiation dose:
in special situations
25-30 Gy)
_ Patients who have experienced two
or more previous febrile reactions to
red cell transfusion________________
Treatment of bleeding due to:
Platelet
_ Not generally indicated for

Thrombocytopenia
prophylaxis of bleeding in surgical
concentrates
— Platelet function defects
patients, unless
_ Prevention of bleeding due to known to have significant pre­
thrombocytopenia, such as in bone operative platelet deficiency
marrow failure
_Not indicated in:
— Idiopathic
autoimmune
thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
— Thrombotic
thrombocytopenic
purpura (TTP)
— Untreated
disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIG)
— Thrombocytopenia
associated
with septicaemia, until treatment
has
commenced
or
in
cases
of
hypersplenism
Fresh
Replacement
of
Frozen
multiple * Volume expansion

Whole blood

9

42
Plasma

Liquid plasma
(Bank plasma)

Cryoprecipitate

coagulation factor deficiencies, e.g.:
— Liver disease
— Warfarin anticoagulant overdose
— Depletion of coagulation factors in
patients receiving large volume
transfusions.
Disseminated
intravascular
coagulation (DIC)
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic
purpura (TTP)
Deficiencies of liver dependent
(stable) coagulation factors

_ As an alternative to Factor VIII
concentrate in the treatment of
inherited
deficiencies of:
—Von Willebrand Factor (von
Willebrand's disease)
— Factor VIII (haemophilia A)
-Factor XIII
_ As a source of fibrinogen in
acquired
coagulopathies: e.g.
disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC)

MODULE 4
* Protein source
* To improve wound healing

* Volume expansion
* Protein source
* To improve wound healing

43

MODULE 4

CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED BLOOD PRODUCTS

1. WHOLE BLOOD (CPD-Adenine-1)

Data for a 450 ml (10%) donation volume. Whole blood may contain an
alternative anticoagulant/ additive solution.
Description









Up to 510 ml total volume (this volume may vary in accordance
with local policies)
450 ml donor blood
63 ml anticoagulant
Haemoglobin approximately 12 g/ml
Haematocrit 35 (45 %)
No functional platelets
No labile coagulation factors (V and VIII)
Unit of issue 1 donation, also referred to as a 'unif or 'pack'

Infection risk
• Not sterilized, so is capable of transmitting any agent present in
cells or plasma which has not been detected by routine
screening for transfusion-transmissible infections, including:
_ HIV-1 and HIV-2
_ Hepatitis B and C
_ Other hepatitis viruses
_ Syphilis
_ Malaria
_ Chagas disease

Storage



Between +2°C and +6°C in an approved blood bank refrigerator,
ideally fitted with a temperature chart and alarm
May be stored up to 35 days if collected in a suitable
anticoagulant such as citrate phosphate dextrose with added
adenine (CPDA-1) During storage at +2°C to +6°C, changes in
composition occur resulting from red cell metabolism

Indications





Red cell replacement in acute blood loss with hypovolaemia
Exchange transfusion
Patients needing red cell transfusions where red cell
concentrates or suspensions are not available

Contraindications

44



MODULE 4

Risk of volume overload in patients with:
Chronic anaemia
Incipient cardiac failure

Administration
• Must be ABO and Rh compatible with the recipient
• Complete transfusion within 4 hours of commencement
• Never add medication to a unit of blood

45

MODULE 4

BLOOD COMPONENTS

2. RED CELL CONCENTRATE

May also be called 'packed red cells', 'concentrated red cells' or 'plasmareduced blood'.
Description








150-200 ml red cells from which most of the plasma has been
removed
Haemoglobin approximately 20 g/100 ml (not less than 45 g per
unit)
Haematocrit 55-75%
Unit of issue 1 donation
Infection risk same as whole blood
Storage same as whole blood

Indications




Replacement of red cells in anaemic patients
Use with crystalloid replacement fluids or colloid solution in
acute blood loss

Administration
• Same as whole blood
• To improve transfusion flow, normal saline (50-100 ml) may be
added using a Y-pattern infusion set

3. RED CELL SUSPENSION

Description









150-200 ml red cells with minimal residual plasma to which
approximately
110 ml normal saline, adenine, glucose, mannitol solution (SAGM) or an equivalent red cell nutrient solution has been added
Haemoglobin approximately 15 g/100 ml (not less than 45 g per
unit)
Haematocrit 50-70 %
Unit of issue 1 donation
Infection risk same as whole blood
Storage same as whole blood

46

MODULE 4

Indications



Same as red cell concentrate

Contraindications
• Red cells suspended in additive solution are not advised for
exchange transfusion of neonates. The additive solution may be
replaced with plasma, 45% albumin or an isotonic crystalloid
solution, such as normal saline
Administration
• Same as whole blood
• Better flow rates are achieved than with red cell concentrate or
whole blood

4. LEUCOCYTE-DEPLETED RED CELLS
Description









A red cell suspension or concentrate containing <5 x 10 6 white
cells per pack, prepared by filtration through a leucocyte­
depleting filter
Haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit depend on
whether the product is whole blood, red cell concentrate or red
cell suspension
Leucocyte depletion removes the risk of transmission of
cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Unit of issue 1 donation
Infection risk same as whole blood
Storage depends on production method: consult blood bank

Indications






Minimizes white cell immunization in patients receiving
repeated transfusion but, to achieve this, all blood components
given to the patient must be leucocyte-depleted
Reduces risk of CMV transmission in special situations
Patients who have experienced two or more previous febrile
reactions to red cell transfusion

Contraindications
• Will not prevent graft-vs-host disease, although it can improve:
for this purpose, blood components should be irradiated where
facility is available (radiation dose: 25-30 Gy)

Administration
• Same as whole blood

47


MODULE 4

A leucocyte filter may also be used at time of transfusion if
leucocyte-depleted red cells or whole blood are not available

Alternative: Buffy coat-removed whole blood or red cell suspension is
usually effective in avoiding febrile non-haemolytic transfusion
reactions. The blood bank should express the buffy coat in a sterile
environment immediately before transporting the blood to the bedside.
Transfusion should start within 30 minutes of delivery with the use,
where possible, of a leucocyte filter. Transfusion should be completed
within 4 hours of commencement.
5. PLATELET CONCENTRATES (prepared from whole blood donations)

Description





Single donor unit in a volume of 50-60 ml of plasma should
contain:
At least 55 x 109 platelets
<1.2 x 109 red cells
<0.12 x 109 leucocytes

Unit of issue may be supplied as either:
• Single donor unit: platelets prepared from one donation
• Pooled unit: platelets prepared from 4 to 6 donor units 'pooled'
into one pack to contain an adult dose of at least 240 x 109
platelets
Infection risk
Same as whole blood, but a normal adult dose involves between
4 and 6 donor exposures
Bacterial contamination affects about 1% of pooled units

Storage
20oC-24°C (with agitation) for up to 5 days in specialized
platelet packs, although some centres use ordinary plastic packs
which restrict storage to 72 hours
Longer storage increases the risk of bacterial proliferation and
septicaemia in the recipient

Indications
Treatment of bleeding due to:
— Thrombocytopenia
— Platelet function defects
—^Prevention of bleeding due to thrombocytopenia, such
as in bone marrow failure

48

MODULE 4

Contraindications
• Not generally indicated for prophylaxis of bleeding in surgical
patients, unless known to have significant pre-operative platelet
deficiency
• Not indicated in:
— Idiopathic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
(FTP)
— Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
— Untreated disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC)
— Thrombocytopenia associated with septicaemia, until
treatment has commenced or in cases of hypersplenism
Dosage




1 unit of platelet concentrate/10 kg body weight: in a 60 or 70 kg
adult, 4-6 single donor units containing at least 240 x 109
platelets should raise the platelet count by 20-40 x 109 /L
Increment will be less if there is:
— Splenomegaly
— Disseminated intravascular coagulation
— Septicaemia

Administration
• After pooling, platelet concentrates should be infused as soon as
possible, generally within 4 hours, because of the risk of
bacterial proliferation
• Must not be refrigerated before infusion as this reduces platelet
function
• 4-6 units of platelet concentrates (which may be supplied
pooled) should be infused through a fresh standard blood
administration set
• Special platelet infusion sets are not required, Platelet
concentrates should be infused over about 30 minutes
• Platelet concentrates prepared from Rh D positive donors
should not be given to a Rh D negative potential child-bearing
female
• Platelet concentrates that are ABO compatible should be given
whenever possible
Complications
• Febrile non-haemolytic and allergic urticarial reactions are not
uncommon, especially in patients receiving multiple
transfusions.

49

MODULE 4

6.FRESH FROZEN PLASMA

Description





Pack containing the plasma separated from one whole blood
donation within 6 hours of collection and then rapidly frozen to
-25°C or colder temperature.
Contains normal plasma levels of stable clotting factors, albumin
and Immunoglobulin
Factor VIII level at least 70% of normal fresh plasma level

Unit of issue
• Usual volume of pack is 200-300 ml
• Smaller volume packs may be available for children
Infection risk
• If untreated, same as whole blood
• Very low risk if treated with methylene blue/ultraviolet light
inactivation (see virus 'inactivated' plasma)
Storage


At -25°C or colder for up to 1 year



Replacement of multiple coagulation factor deficiencies, e.g.:
— Liver disease
-Warfarin anticoagulant overdose
- Depletion of coagulation factors in patients receiving large
volume transfusions.
_ Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
_ Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)



Initial dose of 15 ml/kg

Indications

Dosage

Administration
• Must normally be ABO compatible to avoid risk of haemolysis
in recipient
• No crossmatching needed
• Before use, should be thawed in water which is between 30°C
and 37°C. Higher temperatures will destroy clotting factors and
proteins
• Once thawed, should be stored in a refrigerator at 2OC-6°C

50




Precautions


MODULE 4

Infuse using a standard blood infusion set as soon as possible
after thawing
Labile coagulation factors rapidly degrade; use within 6 hours of
thawing

Acute allergic reactions are not uncommon, especially with
rapid infusions
• Severe life-threatening anaphylactic reactions occasionally occur
• Hypovolaemia alone is not an indication for use

51

MODULE 4

7. LIQUID (Bank) PLASMA
Plasma separated from a whole blood unit and is stored at +4°C. No labile
coagulation factors: i.e. Factors V and VIII.
8. CRYOPRECIPITATE

Description
Prepared from fresh frozen plasma by collecting the precipitate
formed during controlled thawing and resuspending it in 10-20
ml plasma
Contains about half of the Factor VIII and fibrinogen in the
donated whole blood: e.g. Factor VIII: 80-100 i.u./pack;
fibrinogen: 150-300 mg/pack

Unit of issue
Usually supplied as a single donor pack or a pack of 6 or more
single donor units that have been pooled

Infection risk
As for plasma, but a normal adult dose involves at least 6 donor
exposures
Storage

At -25°C or colder for up to 1 year
Indications

As an alternative to Factor VIII concentrate in the treatment of
inherited deficiencies of:
—Von Willebrand Factor (von Willebrand's disease)
— Factor VIII (haemophilia A) [where factor concentrates
are not available]
— Factor XIII
—As a source of fibrinogen in acquired coagulopathies:
e.g. disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Administration
• If possible, use ABO-compatible product
• No compatibility testing is needed
• After thawing, infuse as soon as possible through a standard
blood administration set
• Must be infused within 6 hours of thawing

52

MODULE 4

REFERENCES
1. Sudarsanam A. (1998) Increasing prevalence of HIV antibody among blood
donors monitored over 9 years in one blood bank. Ind. JI. Med. Research 1998

2. Harris VK, SC Nair, PK Das, U Sitaram, YN Bose, A Sudarsanam, E Mathai

(1999). Prevalence of syphilis and parasitic infections among blood donors in
a tertiary care centre in Southern India.

Annals of Tropical Medicine and

Parasitology 93:163-65.
3. Das PK, Harris VK, Shoma B, Bose YN, Annie S. (1999) Trend of hepatitis

B virus infection in southern Indian blood donors. Indian ] Gastoenterol. 18:
182

4. Hazra SC, Chatterjee S, Das Gupta S, Chaudhuri U, Jana CK, Neogi DK

(2002). Changing scenario of transfusion-related viral infections.

J Assoc

Physicians India, 50:879-81.
Kapur S, Mittal A. Incidence of HIV infection & its predictors in blood donors

in Delhi. Indian J Med Res, 108:45-50.

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