Perinatal acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

To date in the United States, 41,366 cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been reported, constituting a major health disaster. As AIDS spreads to the heterosexual population, perinatal hospital areas are seeing increasing numbers of AIDS patients and their families. Many health care workers have had no formal training in caring for these patients, a dilemma now complicated by fear. It is the challenge and responsibility of health care workers today to educate themselves about this disease. Preparation, both philosophically and with a protocol for standard of care, is essential to avoid a crisis in the workplace and to be able to deliver high quality care and support to these patients and their families. This article contains a protocol of care for mothers and infants with AIDS. Recommendations are made for changes in the routine care of the general population, as many cases of AIDS pass through the perinatal areas undetected.