[HIV and pregnancy: risks of transmission and therapeutic possibilities] NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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[HIV and pregnancy: risks of transmission and therapeutic possibilities]

Gynakol Geburtshilfliche Rundsch. 1996;36(4):188-93. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97290259
Ibe M; Knolle P; Beck T; Meyer zum Buschenfelde KH; Gerken G; Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universitat; Mainz, Deutschland.

Abstract: In Europe, transmission of HIV-1 during pregnancy occurs in 14% of children born to HIV-infected women. Risk factors for transmission are (1) virus load measured by p-24 antigenemia and HIV RNA level, (2) low CD4+ lymphocyte counts (below 600/microliter, (3) placental membrane inflammation and (4) time interval between membrane rupture and delivery. Breast feeding and vaginal delivery increase the risk of transmission of HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy with zidovudine (Retrovir) at a dose of 500 mg/day reduces the transmission of HIV infection by two thirds. No malformation of the newborn due to zidovudine has been reported so far, but the possibility of unknown long-term adverse effects on children exposed to zidovudine must be weighed against the benefit of a considerable decrease in HIV transmission. Pregnancy is not associated with a higher rate of progression to AIDS, and HIV infection has no adverse effect on the pregnancy outcome in asymptomatic women.
Keywords: *Anti-HIV Agents/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE *Disease Transmission, Vertical/PREVENTION & CONTROL *HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION *HIV-1 *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/DRUG THERAPY *Zidovudine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGEKWDanti-hivagents/administration&dosageKWDdiseasetransmission,vertical/prevention&controlKWDhivinfections/transmissionKWDhiv-1KWDpregnancycomplications,infectious/drugtherapyKWDzidovudine/administration&dosage
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Copyright © 1997 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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