Policies and practices for the clinical management of HIV/HCV coinfected children in Europe: an epidemiological survey

Eur J Pediatr. 2009 Aug;168(8):915-7. doi: 10.1007/s00431-008-0855-2. Epub 2008 Oct 22.

Abstract

The antenatal prevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection ranges from 12% to 28% with mother-to-child transmission rates ranging from 3.6% to 9.5%. There are no guidelines detailing the most appropriate clinical management and treatment of coinfected children. We used a semi-structured questionnaire to investigate current European practices for the management and follow-up of HIV/HCV coinfected children among clinical centres contributing to the European Collaborative Study or the European Paediatric HCV Network. Clinicians from 16 out of 24 clinical centres responded and were caring for a total of 44 HIV/HCV coinfected children. We found that, although there was a high level of concordance regarding testing for HIV and/or HCV infection, monitoring practices in these European centres varied widely. Few clinicians stated they would administer HIV and HCV treatment concurrently. Limited experience in the clinical management of this group and the lack of an evidence base to guide policy may be a barrier to achieving optimal care and treatment.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antiviral Agents