A profile of human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents receiving health care services at selected sites in the United States

Audrey Smith Rogers, Donna Futterman, Linda Levin, Lawrence D'Angelo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the demographic/clinical pro-file of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adolescents in care at selected sites. Methods: We mailed surveys requesting prevalence data from physicians in government-funded HIV research and care programs on HIV-infected youth (10- 21 years) receiving care. Results: A total of 49% responses yielded information on 978 subjects. Vertical, blood, and sexual were predominant transmission modes. Three-quarters were of an ethnic/racial minority; 50% were female. The earliest median CD4 count was 0.467 x 109/liter (467/μl). Percent asymptomatic varied by transmission: vertical (16%), blood products (40%), male-male sexual (67%) and female-male sexual (M: 73%) (F: 74%). Clinically indicated Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis was differentially prescribed: vertical (96%), blood (89%), and sexual (male-male-47%) (female-male: M: 36% and F: 56%). Of these youth 78% are not represented in national AIDS case data. Conclusions: Examination of numerator data from selected sites indicates three transmission-driven adolescent HIV epidemics with different characteristics. Minority youth are disproportionately represented; many vertically infected infants are surviving to adolescence; sexual activity is a significant transmission avenue. HIV-infected youth appear to enter care with considerable immunosuppression. Clinical profiles and treatment patterns appear to differ by transmission mode. Further study is needed on adolescent HIV disease progression and determinants of access to care and treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)401-408
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume19
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1996

Keywords

  • AIDS
  • Adolescents
  • HIV infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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