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Background Current guidelines recommend that infants born to women with hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia be screened for HCV antibody at age 18 months and, if positive, referred for RNA testing at 3 years to confirm chronic infection. This policy is based, in part, on analyses that suggest that 25%–40% of vertically acquired HCV infections clear spontaneously within 4–5 years. Methods Data on 179 infants with HCV RNA and/or anti-HCV evidence of vertically acquired infection in 3 prospective European cohorts were investigated. Ages at clearance of infection were estimated taking account of interval censoring and delayed entry. We also investigated clearance in initially HCV RNA–negative infants in whom RNA was not detectable until after 6 weeks. Results Clearance rates were initially high then declined slowly. Apparently, many infections clear before they can be confirmed. An estimated 65.9% (95% credible interval [CrI], 50.1–81.6) of confirmed infections cleared by 5 years, at a median 12.4 (CrI, 7.1–18.9) months. If treatment were to begin at age 6 months, 18 months, or 3 years, at least 59.0% (CrI, 42.0–76.9), 39.7% (CrI, 17.9–65.9), and 20.9% (CrI, 4.6–44.8) of those treated would clear without treatment. In 7 (6.6%) confirmed infections, RNA was not detectable until after 6 weeks and not until after 6 months in 2 (1.9%). However, all such cases subsequently cleared. Conclusions Most confirmed infection cleared by age 3 years. Treatment before age 3, if it was available, would avoid loss to follow-up but would result in substantial overtreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests children HIV‐exposed and uninfected (CHEU) experience poor growth. We analysed child anthropometrics and explored factors associated with stunting among Malawian CHEU. Mothers with HIV and their infants HIV‐exposed were enroled in a nationally representative prospective cohort within the National Evaluation of Malawi's Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child HIV Transmission Programme after Option B+ implementation (2014–2018). Anthropometry was measured at enrolment (age 1–6 months), visit 1 (approximately 12 months), and visit 2 (approximately 24 months). Weight‐for‐age (WAZ) and length‐for‐age (LAZ) z‐scores were calculated using World Health Organization Growth Standards; underweight and stunting were defined as WAZ and LAZ more than 2 standard deviations below the reference median. Multivariable logistic regression restricted to CHEU aged 24 months (±3 months) was used to identify factors associated with stunting. Among 1211 CHEU, 562/1211 attended visit 2, of which 529 were aged 24 months (±3 months) and were included. At age 24 months, 40.4% of CHEU were stunted and/or underweight, respectively. In multi‐variable analysis, adjusting for child age and sex, the odds of stunting were higher among CHEU with infectious disease diagnosis compared to those with no diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio = 3.35 [95% confidence interval: 1.82–6.17]), which was modified by co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis (p = 0.028). Infant low birthweight was associated with an increased odds of stunting; optimal feeding and maternal employment were correlated with reduced odds. This is one of the first studies examining CHEU growth since Option B+. Interventions to improve linear growth among CHEU should address their multi‐faceted health risks, alongside maternal ART prescription, and follow‐up of mother‐child pairs. Key messages: Understanding the health risks of children HIV‐exposed and uninfected (CHEU) and the impact on their growth is of paramount importance for optimizing their health.This is one of the first studies examining correlates of CHEU growth since the implementation of Option B+ and uses a random subsample of a nationally representative cohort of women with HIV and CHEU in Malawi.Factors associated with stunting included infant low birthweight, optimal feeding, co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis, and maternal employment.Interventions targeting modifiable risk factors, alongside maternal antiretroviral therapy, and improved nutritional follow‐up of CHEU will contribute to improving CHEU growth in Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a vector-borne flavivirus with a known teratogenic effect, yet the full spectrum has not been delineated. Studies on endemic areas tried to characterize the clinical outcomes of ZIKV intrauterine exposure. We aimed to describe early neurodevelopmental outcomes on prenatally ZIKV-exposed children in a non-endemic ZIKV area. This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted from May 2016 to December 2021 at Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. We monitored for up to 24 months 152 children extracted from a pregnant women cohort with suspected ZIKV infection; eleven women (11/150; 7.3%) fulfilled the criteria for a confirmed ZIKV infection. Among the 152 children included, we describe two cases of congenital ZIKV syndrome (CZS) born from women with a confirmed ZIKV infection. Additionally, we describe five cases of other potentially ZIKV-related outcomes (OPZROs), all with normal birth cranial circumference and born to women with probable ZIKV infection. The low exposed prevalence of adverse outcomes in asymptomatic children at birth in a non-endemic area suggests that close follow-up should be addressed by primary care pediatricians instead of pediatric specialists. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of ZIKV intrauterine exposure beyond two years of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over 3500 HIV-positive women give birth annually in Ukraine, a setting with high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2) co-infection may increase HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) risk. We explored factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity among HIV-positive women in Ukraine, and its impact on HIV MTCT.Methods: Data on 1513 HIV-positive women enrolled in the Ukraine European Collaborative Study from 2007 to 2012 were analysed. Poisson and logistic regression models respectively were fit to investigate factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity and HIV MTCT.Results: Median maternal age was 27 years (IQR 24-31), 53% (796/1513) had been diagnosed with HIV during their most recent pregnancy and 20% had a history of injecting drugs. Median antenatal CD4 count was 430 cells/mm(3) (IQR 290-580). Ninety-six percent had received antiretroviral therapy antenatally. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 68% (1026/1513). In adjusted analyses, factors associated with HSV-2 antibodies were history of pregnancy termination (APR 1.30 (95% CI 1.18-1.43) for ≥ 2 vs. 0), having an HIV-positive partner (APR 1.15 (95% CI 1.05-1.26) vs partner's HIV status unknown) and HCV seropositivity (APR 1.23 (95 % CI 1.13-1.35)). The overall HIV MTCT rate was 2.80% (95% CI 1.98-3.84); no increased HIV MTCT risk was detected among HSV-2 seropositive women after adjusting for known risk factors (AOR 1.43 (95% CI 0.54-3.77).Conclusion: No increased risk of HIV MTCT was detected among the 68% of HIV-positive women with antibodies to HSV-2, in this population with an overall HIV MTCT rate of 2.8%. Markers of ongoing sexual risk among HIV-positive HSV-2 seronegative women indicate the importance of interventions to prevent primary HSV-2 infection during pregnancy in this high-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perinatal depression among HIV-positive women has negative implications for HIV-related and other maternal and infant outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the burden and correlates of perinatal depression among HIV-positive women in Ukraine, a lower middle income country with one of the largest HIV-positive populations in Europe. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys nested within the Ukraine European Collaborative Study were conducted of HIV-positive women at delivery and between 1 and 12 months postpartum. Depressive symptoms in the previous month were assessed using a self-report screening tool. Other data collected included demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related self-efficacy, and perceptions of risks/benefits of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Characteristics of women with and without a positive depression screening test result were compared using Fisher's exact test and χ2 test for categorical variables. Results: A quarter (27 % (49/180) antenatally and 25 % (57/228) postnatally) of participants screened positive for depressive symptoms. Antenatal risk factors were living alone (58 % (7/12) vs 25 % (42/167) p = 0.02), being somewhat/terribly bothered by ART side effects (40 % (17/43) vs 23 % (30/129) not /only slightly bothered, p = 0.05) and having lower ART-related self-efficacy (43 % (12/28) vs 23 % (25/110) with higher self-efficacy, p = 0.05). Postnatally, single mothers were more likely to screen positive (44 % (20/45) vs 21 % (18/84) of cohabiting and 19 % (19/99) of married women, p < 0.01) as were those unsure of the effectiveness of neonatal prophylaxis (40 % (20/45) vs 18 % (28/154) sure of effectiveness, p < 0.01), those worried that neonatal prophylaxis could harm the baby (30 % (44/146) vs 14 % (10/73) not worried p < 0.01) and those not confident to ask for help with taking ART (48 % (11/23) vs 27 % (10/37) fairly confident and 15 % (4/26) confident that they could do this). Of women who reported wanting help for their depressive symptoms, 82 % (37/45) postnatally but only 31 % (12/39) antenatally were already accessing peer counselling, treatment adherence programmes, support groups or social services. Conclusions: A quarter of women screened positive for depression. Results highlight the need for proactive strategies to identify depressive symptoms, and an unmet need for provision of mental health support in the perinatal period for HIV-positive women in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC) conducts comprehensive population-based surveillance of pregnancies in women with HIV infection in the United Kingdom/Ireland. Use of antepartum antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and to treat maternal infection, if required, is standard practise in this population; lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) is commonly used. The study objective was to examine the use of LPV/r among pregnant women with HIV infection to describe maternal and foetal outcomes.Methods: The NSHPC study collected maternal, perinatal and paediatric data through confidential and voluntary obstetric and paediatric reporting schemes. Pregnancies reported to the NSHPC by June 2013, due to deliver 2003-2012 and with LPV/r exposure were included in this analysis, using pregnancy as the unit of observation.Results: Four thousand eight hundred sixty-four LPV/r-exposed pregnancies resulting in 4702 deliveries in 4118 women were identified. Maternal region of birth was primarily sub-Saharan Africa (77 %) or United Kingdom/Ireland (14 %). Median maternal age at conception was 30 years. LPV/r was initiated preconception in 980 (20 %) and postconception in 3884 (80 %) pregnancies; median duration of antepartum LPV/r exposure was 270 and 107 days, respectively. Viral load close to delivery was <50 copies/mL in 73 % and <1000 copies/mL in 94 % of women. 63 % of deliveries were by caesarean section (elective, 6 %; emergency, 38 %). Among singleton live births, 13 % were <37 weeks of gestation (2.5 % <32 weeks) and 15 % had birth weight <2500 g (2.3 % <1500 g). MTCT rates were 1.1 (2003-2007) and 0.5 % (2008-2012). 134 live born children (2.9 %) had ≥1 congenital abnormality.Conclusions: The results of this analysis using real-world data from a large number of pregnant women with HIV infection in the United Kingdom and Ireland who received LPV/r-containing ART regimens demonstrate that these regimens have a good safety profile and are effective for viral suppression during pregnancy, with associated low rates of MTCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnant women with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can transmit the infection to their infants, screening of patients and appropriate interventions reduce vertical transmission. This audit was conducted to assess adherence to the national guidelines for management of HBV infection in pregnancy.Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted on pregnant women diagnosed with hepatitis B on screening in antenatal clinics, across four hospitals in London over 2 years (2009-2010). Data was collected from antenatal records and discharge summaries using a standard audit form. The outcomes measured included HBV serological markers, HBV DNA, detection of other blood borne viruses and referral to hepatology services, administration of active and passive prophylaxis to infants at birth. Descriptive statistics are presented. Proportions were compared using the χ2 test and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for prevalence estimates. Analyses were conducted using STATA 12.Results: HBsAg was detected in 1.05% (n = 401, 95% CI 0.95-1.16) of women attending an antenatal appointment, 12% (n = 48) of the women were at a high risk of vertical transmission (HBe Ag positive or antiHBe and HBeAg negative or HBV DNA >106 IU/ml). Only 62% (n = 248) women were referred to hepatology or specialist clinics and 29% (n = 13) of women of high infectivity were on antiviral agents. Testing for hepatitis C and delta virus was suboptimal. 75% (n = 36) of the infants at a high risk of acquisition of HBV received both active and passive prophylaxis.Conclusion: In certain sectors of London, implementation of the pathway for management of women with hepatitis B and their infants is suboptimal. National guidelines should be followed and improved intersectorial sharing of information is needed to reduce the risk of women of high infectivity being lost to follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim was to summarize national prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines across Europe and to identify differences between these. Methods: A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire sent to experts in 25 European countries from January to March 2012, requesting a copy of the national guidelines. Responses were received from 23 countries. Results: Twenty-two (96%) countries supported a policy to recommend antenatal HIV screening for all pregnant women (15: opt-out strategy; 8: opt-in strategy). For HIV-positive women in whom the only indication for antiretroviral therapy (ART) was PMTCT, the recommended gestational age for commencing ART varied from 12 to 28 weeks: initiation before 19 weeks gestation was recommended in guidelines from nine countries; in France, the UK and the Netherlands, there was a wide range, from 14 to 24 weeks, whereas the Swiss and Ukrainian guidelines recommended starting at 24–28 weeks and the German/Austrian and Lithuanian at 28 weeks. Six national guidelines recommended inclusion of Zidovudine in antenatal ART regimens, and seven (37%) allowed continuation of Efavirenz for women conceiving on this drug. According to nine guidelines, zidovudine should always be used intrapartum. Eighteen national guidelines stated that HIV-positive women on successful ART can have a vaginal delivery. Viral load thresholds for vaginal delivery were <1000 copies/ml in 5 countries, <400 copies/ml in 3 and <50 copies/ml in 11 countries. Conclusion: There are important differences across Europe in national PMTCT guidelines, with most variation seen where the evidence-base remains limited. Such differences should be considered when interpreting research and surveillance findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aims To compare clinical status, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rates, use of prevention of (PMTCT) interventions and pregnancy outcomes between HIV-infected injecting drug users (IDUs) and non-IDUs. Design and setting Prospective cohort study conducted in seven human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Centres in Ukraine, 2000-10. Participants Pregnant HIV-infected women, identified before/during pregnancy or intrapartum, and their live-born infants ( n = 6200); 1028 women followed post-partum. Measurements Maternal and delivery characteristics, PMTCT prophylaxis, MTCT rates, preterm delivery (PTD) and low birth weight (LBW). Findings Of 6200 women, 1111 (18%) reported current/previous IDU. The proportion of IDUs diagnosed with HIV before conception increased from 31% in 2000/01 to 60% in 2008/09 ( P < 0.01). Among women with undiagnosed HIV at conception, 20% of IDUs were diagnosed intrapartum versus 4% of non-IDUs ( P < 0.01). At enrolment, 14% of IDUs had severe/advanced HIV symptoms versus 6% of non-IDUs ( P < 0.001). IDUs had higher rates of PTD and LBW infants than non-IDUs, respectively, 16% versus 7% and 22% versus 10% ( P < 0.001). IDUs were more likely to receive no neonatal or intrapartum PMTCT prophylaxis compared with non-IDUs (OR 2.81, p < 0.001). MTCT rates were 10.8% in IDUs versus 5.9% in non-IDUs; IDUs had increased MTCT risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.32, P = 0.049). Fewer IDUs with treatment indications received HAART compared with non-IDUs (58% versus 68%, P = 0.03). Conclusions Pregnant human immunodeficiency virus-infected injecting drug users in Ukraine have worse clinical status, poorer access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission prophylaxis and highly active antiretroviral therapy, more adverse pregnancy outcomes and higher risk of mother-to-child transmission than non-injecting drug user women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social marginalisation and other challenges facing HIV-positive pregnant women in Ukraine may put them at increased risk of relinquishing their infants to the state. We described rates of infant abandonment (exclusive non-parental care to most recent follow-up, censored at two years of age) and investigated associated factors using logistic regression models, in 4759 mother-infant pairs enrolled across six Ukrainian sites in the European Collaborative Study from 2000 to May 2009. Median maternal age was 26.0 years, 81.8% were married or cohabiting and 60.6% were nulliparous at enrolment. An injecting drug use (IDU) history was reported by 18.4%, 80.2% took antiretroviral therapy (ART) antenatally and most deliveries were vaginal. A small but significant proportion of infants had been cared for exclusively in institutions by their second birthday (2.1% overall), decreasing from 3.8% (15/393) in 2000-2002 to 1.6% (49/3136) in 2006-2009 (p<0.01), concurrent with prevention of mother-to-child transmission scale-up. A further 1% of infants spent some time in non-parental care. Antenatal ART was associated with an 88% reduced abandonment risk (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.12), versus receipt of single dose nevirapine only, and this was reflected in HIV infection prevalence in the two groups (17.1% of abandoned infants versus 6.6% in parental care). Mothers without a cohabiting partner or husband were more likely to abandon (AOR 4.08), as were active IDUs (AOR 3.27) and those with ≥1 previous children (AOR 1.89 for second-born and AOR 2.56 for subsequent births). Women delivering by elective caesarean section were less likely to abandon (AOR 0.37 versus vaginal), as were those leaving full-time education later (AOR 0.61 for 17-18 years versus ≤16 years and AOR 0.23 for ≥19 years versus ≤16 years). Interventions to extend family planning and IDU harm reduction services along with non-stigmatising antenatal care to marginalised women are needed, and may reduce abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the decline in mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Great Britain from 2012-2014.

Background: Prospective studies of Zika virus in pregnancy have reported rates of congenital Zika syndrome and other adverse outcomes by trimester. However, Zika virus can infect and damage the fetus early in utero, but clear before delivery. The true vertical transmission rate is therefore unknown. We aimed to provide the first estimates of underlying vertical transmission rates and adverse outcomes due to congenital infection with Zika virus by trimester of exposure.Methods: This was a Bayesian latent class analysis of data from seven prospective studies of Zika virus in pregnancy. We estimated vertical transmission rates, rates of Zika-virus-related and non-Zika-virus-related adverse outcomes, and the diagnostic sensitivity of markers of congenital infection. We allowed for variation between studies in these parameters and used information from women in comparison groups with no PCR-confirmed infection, where available.Findings: The estimated mean risk of vertical transmission was 47% (95% credible interval 26 to 76) following maternal infection in the first trimester, 28% (15 to 46) in the second, and 25% (13 to 47) in the third. 9% (4 to 17) of deliveries following infections in the first trimester had symptoms consistent with congenital Zika syndrome, 3% (1 to 7) in the second, and 1% (0 to 3) in the third. We estimated that in infections during the first, second, and third trimester, respectively, 13% (2 to 27), 3% (-5 to 14), and 0% (-7 to 11) of pregnancies had adverse outcomes attributable to Zika virus infection. Diagnostic sensitivity of markers of congenital infection was lowest in the first trimester (42% [18 to 72]), but increased to 85% (51 to 99) in trimester two, and 80% (42 to 99) in trimester three. There was substantial between-study variation in the risks of vertical transmission and congenital Zika syndrome.Interpretation: This preliminary analysis recovers the causal effects of Zika virus from disparate study designs. Higher transmission in the first trimester is unusual with congenital infections but accords with laboratory evidence of decreasing susceptibility of placental cells to infection during pregnancy.Funding: European Union Horizon 2020 programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the scale-up of antenatal combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Ukraine since this became part of the national policy for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods Data on 3535 HIV-positive pregnant women who were enrolled into the Ukraine European Collaborative Study in 2008-2010 were analysed. Factors associated with receipt of zidovudine monotherapy (AZTm) - rather than cART - and rates of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV were investigated. Findings cART coverage increased significantly, from 22% of deliveries in 2008 to 61% of those in 2010. After adjusting for possible confounders, initiation of antenatal AZTm - rather than cART - was associated with cohabiting (versus being married; adjusted prevalence ratio, aPR: 1.09; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.02-1.16), at least two previous live births (versus none; aPR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11-1.35) and a diagnosis of HIV infection during the first or second trimester (versus before pregnancy; aPR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03-1.20). The overall MTCT rate was 4.1% (95% CI: 3.4-4.9); 42% (49/116) of the transmissions were from the 8% (n = 238) of women without antenatal ART. Compared with AZTm, cART was associated with a 70% greater reduction in the risk of MTCT (adjusted odds ratio: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16-0.56). Conclusion Between 2008 and 2010, access to antenatal cART improved substantially in Ukraine, but implementation of the World Health Organization's Option-B policy was slow. For MTCT to be eliminated in Ukraine, improvements in the retention of women in HIV care and further roll-out of Option B are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]