Study title: INvestigation of Heart and Lung disEase among older children in Harare, Zimbabwe

Lead Researcher(s)

Rashida Ferrand, Edith Majonga

Funder(s)

Nina-Ireland Program for Lung Health and Wellcome Trust

Partner(s)

University of Zimbabwe, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of California San Francisco, University of Oxford, University College London   

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in a remarkable increase in life expectancy so that a growing number of children with vertically-acquired HIV infection are reaching older childhood and adolescents. Long-standing HIV infection in children and adolescents is associated with chronic multi-system comorbidities, particularly when there is delayed diagnosis of HIV and/or initiation to antiretroviral therapy.

Study aim(s)  

To investigate the clinical features and progression of chronic lung and cardiac disease among vertically HIV-infected older children and adolescents established on ART, and to explore pathogenic mechanisms.

200 children with vertically-acquired HIV aged 6-16 years taking ART for at least six months and a comparison group of HIV-negative children were recruited from outpatient HIV clinics at Harare Central hospital. A detailed standardized clinical examination was performed combined with a cardio-respiratory assessment including pulse oximetry and 6-minute exercise test, chest radiography, high- resolution computed tomography, spirometry, transthoracic echocardiography, and carotid intimal medial thickness. Blood samples were taken for HIV viral load and pathogenesis studies. 

Study Design

Prospective cohort study 

Study dates

2013-2017