Pulmonary Function in HIV-Infected Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background The global burden of HIV remains significant, particularly in India. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved outcomes for children with HIV, yet understanding the virus's impact on respiratory health is essential. Pulmonary complications, common in HIV-infected adults, are poorly understood in children. Despite India's high HIV prevalence, data on pediatric lung function are lacking. This study aims to evaluate spirometry-based pulmonary function in perinatally HIV-infected children, exploring associations with disease severity, immune status, and other factors. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a North Indian tertiary care hospital aimed to assess pulmonary function using spirometry in children (6-18 years) with HIV infection. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured. Data on demographics, clinical history, CD4+ T-cell counts, and viral load were collected. Certified respiratory therapists performed spirometry using standardized protocols. Descriptive statistics were computed, and differences in pulmonary function based on CD4+ T-cell counts, viral load, and opportunistic infection were analyzed. The study adhered to ethical guidelines and maintained participants' confidentiality. Results This cross-sectional study enrolled 57 children (mean age 13.6±3.2 years) with HIV infection. Age distribution was <9 years (24.6%), 9-11 years (28.1%), and >11 years (47.4%). Males constituted 56.1%. The mean BMI was 15.92±2.78 kg/m². HIV viral load (87.23±56.28 copies/μL) and CD4 count (1146.32±103.98 cells/mm³) were recorded. ART duration averaged 6.21±1.36 years. Viral load groups were <1 (52.6%), 1-1000 (26.3%), and >1000 copies/μL (21.1%). CD4 categories were >500 cells/mm³ (47.4%), 200-499 (42.1%), and <200 cells/mm³ (10.5%). Spirometry showed 71.9% normal and 28.1% abnormal (mild/moderate obstruction: 18.8%, mild/moderate restriction: 81.3%). No significant spirometric differences were observed among CD4 or viral load groups (p>0.05), nor with opportunistic infections (p>0.05). Conclusion This study reveals complex associations between spirometric parameters and CD4 count, viral load, and opportunistic infections in children with HIV. Further research, including longitudinal studies, is needed to unravel the intricate interplay and improve management strategies for this population.