Resumen

TASSARA O, Renzo et al. Gastrointestinal diseases in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2003, vol.131, n.1, pp. 19-24. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872003000100003.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemiology has changed, affecting an increasing number of children. As in adults, the disease predominantly affects the digestive and respiratory systems. Aim: To report the gastrointestinal problems in HIV infected pediatric patients. Patients and methods: Twenty four HIV infected children (nine male, aged 1 to 12 years old, followed for 1 to 170 months), are reported. This group has been under care by a multiprofessional team. Results: Oral candidiasis was present in 21 (88%), esophagic candidiasis in 3 (13%), oral ulcers in 4 (17%). Diarrhea was observed in 18 children (75%) and in eight, it had a chronic evolution. Cryptosporidium parvum was the most frequent agent found in six cases (1 with acute and 5 with chronic diarrhea). Schlerosing cholangiopathy was observed in one case, with a fatal outcome, in association to microsporidiosis. Upper endoscopy was done in 11 patients, demonstrating microscopic inflammatory changes in esophagic, gastric and duodenal epithelia in all. Conclusions: Digestive problems are common in HIV infected pediatric patients. They must be always sought actively. Endoscopy is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of these problems (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 19-24)

Palabras llave : Candidiasis, oral; HIV enteropathy; HIV infections; HIV seropositivity.