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HIV screening of newborns
J P Getchell1, W J Hausler, M T Ramirez
1University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory, Iowa City.
Biochemical Medicine and Metabolic Biology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Iowa
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Iowa has monitored HIV in childbearing women since 1989.
- HIV infection prevalence in childbearing women is a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of HIV infection in Iowa childbearing women and newborns.
- To evaluate HIV screening as a viable addition to newborn screening programs.
Main Methods:
- Blinded HIV antibody testing on newborn blood spot specimens.
- Analysis of 100,717 newborn specimens collected between July 1989 and February 1992.
- Prevalence calculation based on confirmed positive cases and transmission rates.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 100,717 newborns tested positive for HIV antibodies.
- HIV prevalence in Iowa childbearing women was 0.14/1000 (1/7000).
- Predicted HIV prevalence in newborns, considering a 30% transmission rate, is 1/23,000.
Conclusions:
- HIV screening meets World Health Organization criteria for newborn screening.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV in newborns improve outcomes and offer societal cost advantages.
- Informed consent is a key challenge for implementing HIV testing in newborn screening programs.