Iloh O N¹, Ubesie AC^{1, 2,}, Iloh KK², Emodi IJ^{1, 2}, Ikefuna AN^{1, 2}, Obumneme-Anyim I.¹

Background: Perinatally acquired HIV infection is associated with early and progressive reductions in weight and height and features of endocrine dysfunction such as pubertal delay. Impairment of growth is a marker of advanced HIV disease and require proper evaluation. The aim of this study was to assess the physical growth of perinatally HIV-infected females aged 8-18 years. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study involving 100 HIV-infected girls aged 8-18 years and 100 un-infected counterparts matched for age and social class. Weight and height were measured to assess the nutritional status of study participants and BMI calculated, Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20 (Chicago IL). Significant levels were assumed at p-values less than 0.05. Results: The mean height of the subjects and controls were 139.19 ± 14.31cm and 145.67 ± 13.09cm respectively (p=0.001). The mean weight of the subjects and controls were 33.56 ± 11.12kg and 37.68 ± 11.07kg (p=0.009) respectively. Conclusions: Perinatally HIV infected females have significantly lower weight and height for age z scores than HIV uninfected controls.

physical growth, peri-natal, HIV, girls, poor