[HIV infections and children].

The HIV infection in children is not easily characterized and, because of this, may remain undetected for a long time. Guiding symptoms could be chronic skin eczema, respiratory tract infections, otitides, diarrhea or parotitis. The German AIDS Pediatric Association (PAAD) has made recommendations for the treatment of HIV infections in children. The treatment of HIV-positive children should be conducted in connection with an experienced institution. The untreated HIV infection is associated with an especially high mortality during the first year of life. Antiretroviral therapy using liquid confections is also possible in children of every age other than premature infants and its efficacy has been demonstrated through studies. A specific feature of the treatment of HIV infections in children is the concealment of the diagnosis from the young patients to prevent an unintentional passing on of the diagnosis onto third parties. The subsequent necessary concealment strategy means an additional burden on the family concerned.