ANTICARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES IN PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS WITH HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

Objective. To study the presence of IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to determine their prevalence and clinical significance. Methods. We studied 34 children with HIV infection: 26 patients were classified P-2, and 8 were P-1 according to the Centers for Disease Control classification. HIV transmission was from mother to child in 33 cases. aCL were measured by ELISA. Results. IgG aCL were found in 28 (82%) and IgM aCL in 7 (20%). No difference in frequency and levels was found between class P-2 (85%, mean 54.5 PL units) and class P-1 (75%, mean 50.3 PL units). aCL were not related to the duration of the infection, clinical stage of disease, or with events like opportunistic infections. Children from sexually infected or intravenous drug user mothers showed no differences. Conclusion. As in adults, aCL are commonly found in children with HIV infection. The significance of this finding is still unclear.