Immune and serologic profiles of HIV-infected and noninfected hemophilic children and adolescents. Hemophilia Growth and Development Study Group.

OBJECTIVES

To assess relationships among the effects of HIV on hemophilic children and adolescents' immunologic parameters and vaccine-related serology.

METHODS

We analyzed data from extensive baseline immunologic evaluations of 207 HIV antibody-positive (HIV+) and 126 HIV antibody-negative (HIV-) hemophilic children and adolescents.

RESULTS

HIV+ and HIV- participants differed significantly in T-lymphocyte subpopulation numbers, immunoglobulin levels, and seroprevalence rates for diphtheria toxoid, measles, and mumps antigens, IgG levels, IgM levels, and serologic titers to vaccine antigens showed little correlation with T-cell parameters. Proportionately more HIV+ participants were nonreactive to each and all of a panel of 7 skin test antigens (71% vs 28% anergic, RR 2.6). The odds of anergy increased 1.6 times for every decline of 200 CD4+ cells/microliters.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV had significant, largely independent T- and B-lymphocyte effects on this pediatric cohort.