A systematic, multidisciplinary approach to address the reproductive needs of HIV-seropositive women

Nearly 130,000 American women are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive. The present study sought to establish a comprehensive programme to address their fertility needs in order to minimize infectious, medical and reproductive risks to prospective patients. Forty women, aged 27-42 years, were evaluated. HIV was diagnosed 7.2 +/- 0.7 years prior to their seeking care, and most women (n = 38) were on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Their prenatal CD4 counts were 712.2 +/- 56 cells/mm(3) (range 327-1881) and HIV-1 concentrations were undetectable in all cases prior to initiating treatment. HIV-seropositive women were statistically identical to their age-matched HIV-seronegative counterparts with respect to the IVF clinical outcome parameters measured. Throughout the pregnancies, maternal HIV-1 RNA concentrations remained undetectable and CD4 counts were stable. All infants, tested at birth and at 3 and 6 months of age, remained HIV negative. This is the first report of an institutional paradigm in the USA dedicated to evaluate and treat HIV-seropositive women. Using a multidisciplinary approach to care, HIV-seropositive women may be successfully managed in a programme of assisted reproduction.