The effect of maternal HIV status and treatment duration on body composition of HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed preterm, very and extremely low-birthweight infants.

Background: There is an evidence gap regarding the relationship between HIV exposure, body composition (and the quality thereof) and preterm infants.

Aim: This study determined the body composition of HIV-exposed, preterm very low-birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants and to assess the effect of maternal HAART duration on the body composition of this vulnerable population.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted.