Influence of HIV infection on child’s growth and development

Abstract

The aim of this study was to perform a literature review about the influence of the HIV infection on child’s growth and development. The infection by HIV in children can establish an extensive diver- sity of organic changes, through the immune system implication. The children also suffer changes in hormones and endocrinal secre- tion that are directly connected to growth. The result of these events is a failure in the development of muscular and skeletal compo- nents, attested through decrease in children’s stature, weight and cephalic perimeter. Although a large number of surveys has been accomplished in this area, the real influence of the HIV in the deve- lopment of infected children still have to be elucidated. Key words: children, HIV, skele- tal development, growth, Aids.