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HIV.
- Source :
- Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine; Jun2007, Vol. 12 Issue 3, p174-181, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Summary: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is almost entirely preventable with a combination of interventions—antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy, intrapartum and neonatally, elective caesarean section and avoidance of breastfeeding. In resource-rich settings new paediatric human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infections have reached an all-time low due to broad application of these interventions, particularly the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and no breastfeeding. However, most HIV-infected pregnant women live in developing countries where <10% of them have access to preventative interventions. Although MTCT rates in developed countries are now around 1–2%, rates in developing countries remain very much higher. Although the vast majority of infants born to HIV-infected mothers can thus be protected from acquisition of infection, they would then be exposed to antiretroviral drugs for which there is only limited information on toxicity and long-term safety. However, based on current knowledge, the immense benefits of antiretroviral prophylaxis in reducing MTCT risk far outweigh the potential for adverse effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- ANTIVIRAL agents
HIV infections
HIV-positive women
INFECTIOUS disease transmission
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1744165X
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 24963670
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.siny.2007.01.009