Pathology and causes of death in a series of human immunodeficiency virus-positive and -negative pediatric referral hospital admissions in Botswana.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about causes of death among children seriously affected by the AIDS epidemic in southern African countries.

METHODS

Autopsies were performed on 47 children 1 month to 13 years of age in Francistown, Botswana, between July 1997 and July 1998.

RESULTS

Median age was 10 months; 68% were HIV-positive. The leading cause of death was respiratory infection, accounting for 29 of 35 (83%) deaths among HIV-positive and 8 of 12 (67%) deaths among HIV-negative children. Among HIV-positive children, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) was responsible for 31% of all deaths and for 48% of deaths in infants < or =1 year. Among children < or =2 years with cough and dyspnea, age < or =1 year, interstitial infiltrate and HIV positivity were highly predictive of PCP (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 63%).

CONCLUSION

Respiratory disease accounted for most deaths in HIV-positive children. Children < or =1 year who are known or suspected to be HIV-positive and who have cough, dyspnea and pulmonary infiltrates should be treated presumptively for PCP.