Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis against opportunistic infections is safe, and effective in HIV-infected children

Abstract

Question

Does co-trimoxazole prophylaxis against opportunistic infections reduce mortality and hospital admissions in HIV-infected children more than 1 year old?

Study design

Double blind randomised controlled trial.

Main results

In HIV-infected children more than 1 year old, co-trimoxazole prophylaxis against opportunistic infections reduced deaths and hospital admissions compared with placebo at nearly 19 months. The number of treatment related adverse events were similar in both groups (see results table).

Authors’ conclusions

Children with HIV infection should receive cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in resource-poor settings, despite local bacterial resistance to this drug.