Assessment of bronchial obstruction in adolescents infected with human
immunodeficiency virus
Abstract
Introduction : In adults chronically infected with HIV, there
is an increased prevalence of impaired respiratory function, with a
greater occurrence of COPD ( Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) than
in the uninfected population. In children, data from the literature show
a higher prevalence of atopy. Additionally, adolescents treated since
birth for HIV infection in utero often exhibit bronchial hyperreactivity
or peripheral bronchial obstruction, indicating chronic local
inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the value of early detection
of peripheral obstruction in HIV-infected adolescents, initiating early
treatment and preventing long-term respiratory function impairment in
adulthood. Methods : This prospective monocentric study
included patients aged 11 to 25. Participants underwent forced
oscillometry, conventional respiratory functional exploration, and
completed a respiratory quality of life questionnaire. The primary
endpoint was the parameter R5Hz Results : 21 teenagers were
included in our study. Regarding the primary endpoint, one patient out
of 13 (7.6%) showed an increase in R5Hz. Three (23%) exhibited
abnormal resistance exploration. Regardless, three patients met the
criteria for bronchial hyperreactivity. Concerning the questionnaire,
three patients, despite having no respiratory function impairment,
reported a decreased quality of life associated with breathing.
Conclusion : There is probably approximately 15% of children
infected with HIV at birth in France experiencing chronic lung
inflammation. More accurate detection through oscillometry would enable
precise identification of these children and offer them targeted
treatment. This approach could not only improve their quality of life
but also help preventing progressive decline in respiratory function and
the development of chronic bronchopathy in adulthood.