ISSN: 2472-1182
Adedemy JD2, Zohoun L, Alihonou F, dAlmeida M, Couringa Y, Agossou J, Noudamadjo A et Koumakpaï-Adeothy S.
Abstract Objective: This study aims to screen malnutrition and assess the effect of systematic nutritional care on the growth of HIV-infected children followed up in the Pediatric Unit of the HKM National University Teaching Hospital (CNHU HKM) in Cotonou. Method: It is a pilot intervention, descriptive and prospective survey, which was conducted from September 15, 2014 to August 28, 2015 with an exhaustive sampling. Results: 96 children were included in the study. Sex ratio was 1. On inclusion, malnutrition frequency was 11.45% for severe malnutrition, 15.62% for moderate malnutrition.72.93% of children had a good nutritional status. Comorbidity was found in 29.16% of children 6 months before the intervention started. Among the children included, 71% were at WHO clinical stage 1. At the end of the study, 51.04% were lost to follow up and severe malnutrition frequency was 4.25%, the one of moderate malnutrition was 12.76%, and 82.99% of children followed up enjoyed a good nutritional status. Factors associated with malnutrition were WHO clinical stage (p = 0.00), micronutrient supplementation (p = 0.02) and immunological stage (p = 0.01). Conclusion: In HIV-infected children receiving ART, nutritional support should be compulsory in order to improve child care in the different cohorts.