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Managing HIV in pregnant women and newborns in the UK is complex. This review covers screening, treatment, and preventing mother-to-baby HIV transmission for better infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Approximately 300 children annually in the UK are born to mothers with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Managing HIV during pregnancy and early childhood presents unique clinical challenges.
- Vertical transmission of HIV from mother to baby requires specific preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the comprehensive management of HIV infection in pregnant women and infants.
- To outline strategies for preventing mother-to-baby (vertical) transmission of HIV.
- To discuss the use of antiretroviral drugs in this population, including off-label use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current guidelines and research on HIV management in pregnancy and childhood.
- Analysis of screening protocols for HIV in pregnant women.
- Examination of antiretroviral therapy regimens for mothers and infants.
Main Results:
- Effective screening and prompt treatment of maternal HIV significantly reduce vertical transmission rates.
- Antiretroviral therapy is crucial for both maternal health and preventing infant infection.
- Careful consideration of drug safety and efficacy is needed, especially for off-label use in infants.
Conclusions:
- Integrated care models are essential for managing HIV in pregnant women and their infants.
- Continued research is needed to optimize antiretroviral drug use and minimize long-term effects.
- Preventing mother-to-baby HIV transmission is achievable with current medical interventions.
Abstract:
Each year, in the UK, around 300 children are born to women who are infected with HIV. In this article, we review the management of HIV infection in pregnancy and early childhood. This issue is particularly complex as it involves screening for, and the need to treat, HIV in the pregnant woman and her baby, measures to prevent mother-to-baby (vertical) transmission of infection and the use of antiretroviral drugs outside their licensed indications.