Gastrointestinal disorders

TL;DRAbstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, a common occurrence in children with HIV disease, can be related to infectious agents, malnutrition, immunodeficiency or HIV infection itself, and can result in retardation of growth, increased caloric requirements, and/or diarrhea/malabsorption. The absorption and utilization of nutrients is a primary function of the GI tract, but the immune system of the gut has been shown to be the major site of CD4+ lymphocyte depletion and viral replication [1]. The mucosal immune and enteric nervous systems interact with the epithelium to regulate intestinal function. Lymphocytes and macrophages produce cytokines and vasoactive peptides that can alter brush border epithelial cell enzyme expression, secretion, motility or mucosal blood flow. These factors ultimately affect nutrient absorption. As immune function deteriorates in the HIV-infected child, intestinal function declines to a degree greater than might be expected due to opportunistic infections alone. Th

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