Document 2648 DOCN M94A2648 TI Persisting CD4 immunosuppression among non-infected children born to HIV+ mothers. DT 9412 AU Lapointe N; Charest J; Samson J; Boucher M; Hankins C; Delage G; Fauvel M; Centre maternel et infantile sur le sida Hop. Ste-Justine,; (Que), Canada. SO Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):256 (abstract no. PB0453). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369927 AB OBJECTIVE: Increased morbidity has been described in non-infected children born to HIV infected mothers. CD4 immunosuppression have also been reported and attributed to drug use during pregnancy. This study investigates immunosuppression and clinical features in a subgroup of non-infected children born to HIV infected mothers. METHODS: From 1981 to 1994, 157 children born to HIV infected mothers were followed; 69 are infected, 70 non-infected and 18 undeterminate. Blood samples were obtained at 3 month intervals. Fluorescent microscopy and later flow cytometry were used in a double antibody technique with monoclonal antibodies (BD). HIV-1 antibodies were tested by ELISA, confirmed by RIPA. HIV diagnosis was confirmed by HIV culture and PCR since 1988. Clinical status was evaluated at each visit. RESULTS: 63/70 children who seroreverted had normal immunological parameters over time in a follow up of a mean 84 months (6 to 120 months). Clinically none of these children had clinical features compatible with AIDS defining events. Many minor clinical problems were noted. 7/70 children had sustained or recurrent immunosuppression over time. 4/7 had a persisting low CD4. 3/7 patients had recurrent low CD4 count (below 500/mm3) over 7 years of follow up. 4/7 were twins. None of these children developed symptoms compatible with AIDS. HIV ELISA were repeatedly negative after 7 years. HIV culture and PCR were negative in all. None of these children were born to IDU mothers. CONCLUSION: In 10% of 70 seroreverted children, persisting CD4 lymphopenia is noted without detectable HIV. A sub group of children born to HIV infected mothers seems to sustain unexplained immunological injury. DE *AIDS Serodiagnosis Child Child, Preschool Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Female Follow-Up Studies Human HIV Seronegativity/*IMMUNOLOGY HIV Seropositivity/DIAGNOSIS/*IMMUNOLOGY/TRANSMISSION HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY Infant Infant, Newborn *Leukocyte Count Male Pregnancy T-Lymphocytopenia, Idiopathic CD4-Positive/DIAGNOSIS/*IMMUNOLOGY T4 Lymphocytes/*IMMUNOLOGY MEETING ABSTRACT SOURCE: National Library of Medicine. NOTICE: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).