Clinical and laboratory characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents: Experience from a single medical center

Background: Recently, the proportion of adolescents diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has increased. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of HIV-infected adolescents in southern Taiwan. Methods: From June 1997 to December 2010, a total of 40 HIV-infected adolescents who sought medical care in a university hospital in southern Taiwan were enrolled in the study. They were classified into three HIV at-risk groups, men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexuals, and intravenous drug users (IDUs). Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. Results: The median age of the 40 HIV-infected adolescents was 19 years. The HIV at-risk groups were MSM (22/40, 55%), heterosexuals (7/40, 17.5%), IDUs (5/40, 12.5%), and unknown (6/40, 15%). The initial median CD4 count and log plasma HIV viral load were 318 cells/mm³ and 4.61, respectively. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV, anti-HBc, anti-HCV antibodies and HBsAg was 5.3%, 26.1%, 13% and 13%, respectively. Among 17 adolescents who had regular follow-ups more than twice, 7 (41.2%) had a concurrent sexually transmitted disease (STD). The most common STD was genital warts (41.2%) followed by syphilis (11.8%). Among 7 patients who received highly active antiretroviral agents (HAART) for more than 12 months, 5 (71.4%) had sustained virologic suppression. Conclusion: MSM are the largest risk group in HIV-infected adolescents in southern Taiwan and are characterized by a high prevalence of anogenital warts and low seroprevalence of anti-HAV.