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Prepared by...
Virat Sirisanthana, M.D. |
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Department of Pediatrics,
Chiang Mai University
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| More information of the illness......... |
| Family History :
Her mother awared of her HIV-infected status at the time of anti-natal care,
but she refused zidovudine (AZT) protocol for fear of the cost. The
infant did not receive any Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis. |
| Other Laboratory Findings
: Serology : HIV-Ab : positive Serum Enzymes: Lactate dehydrogenase: 1,300 units/L Blood culture : no growth for bacteria and fungus |
| Course in the hospital: |
| With respiratory support and anti Pneumocystis
carinii therapy, she gradually improved and could be extubated in 7 days. |
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| Final Diagnosis: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected infant | |
| Points to learn : | |
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1.
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The most common severe opportunistic
infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers (although their HIV-infected
status have not yet been known) is Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
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2.
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Antinatal, perinatal and postnatal
zidovudine regimen could decrease HIV transmission from mothers to infants.
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3.
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The zidovudine regimen is "free
of charge" to every Thai HIV-positive pregnant woman.
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4.
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Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis should be given to every infant born to HIV-infected mother until the infected status is established or until the age of 6-12 month old. |