RISK FACTORS OF GROWTH RETARDATION IN HIV INFECTED AND UNINFECTED CHILDREN BORN FROM HIV-POSITIVE MOTHERS

Prognostic factors of growth retardation during infant period in 207 HIV-infected and 334 uninfected children born from HIV-infected mothers were studied. It was found that children born from HIV-infected women — injection drug users and those with low socio-economical status are the risk group of development of growth retardation during infant period. Implementation of social support in these families can prevent development of growth retardation and vesting syndrome. Medical management of children born from HIV-infected mothers from risk group must include specific approach to infant feeding, early HIV diagnosis, monitoring of anthropometric data and prevention of infection diseases.