Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
United Press International; Monday December 1, 1997 - 8:34 PM EST
Civil rights activists criticized the the program when it was instituted on Feb. 1, but Pataki says that as a result of the testing, virtually all HIV-exposed babies are receiving treatment.
Pataki says that during the first nine months of testing, 82 infants were found whose mothers had not been tested and were unaware that they were HIV-positive.
Under the universal testing program, results are provided only to the mother and the baby's physician. Opponents feared that information from the tests could stigmatize the children and their parents.
Since testing began, nearly 185,000 babies were born in New York State, and 752 were found to have been exposed to HIV. Officials say that 99 percent of the exposed children are receiving treatment.
The say that treatment is vital because between 15 and 25 percent of babies who are exposed to HIV in the womb also contract the disease. The treatment may lower that percentage.
Physicians say that newborn screening allows them to perform more sophisticated tests that can determine if the child is infected with the virus or merely carrying antibodies from the mother's bloodstream. They can also give the child medications that can reduce the amount of virus in the body and prevent infections that often attack people infected with HIV.
State Health Commissioner Barbara DeBuono says that testing newborns is a good first step, but the ultimate goal is to have pregnant woman receive testing early enough to minimize the risk of the virus to her baby.
971201
UP971205
Copyright © 1997 - United Press International. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through United Press International, Permissions Desk, 1510 H St. N.W. Washington DC 2005. Main Phone Switchboard: 202-898-8000 FAX: 202-898-8057 or 202-898-8147 Email: info@upi.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .