Research
Kasioni Spiridoula1, Pappas Stefanos2, Vlachadis Nikolaos3, Valsamidi Irene1, Stournaras Stamatis1, Nousia Konstantina1, Farmakides George1
16th Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elena Venizelou hospital, Athens, Greece
2Hellenic Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
32nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Aretaieio hospital, Athens, Greece
Correspondence: Farmakides George, Elena Venizelou hospital, 2 Elena Venizelou Square, GR – 11521 Athens, Greece, E – mail: g.farmakides@hospital-elena.gr
Abstract
Introduction: Prevention of mother – to – child transmission of HIV is at the forefront of global HIV prevention activities. Administration of antiretroviral drugs to mothers and neonates, scheduled caesarian section and prohibition of breastfeeding considerably have been indicated to decrease HIV transmission to the offspring. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 20 cases of HIV positive pregnant women who received antenatal care and gave birth at our department during 2010 – 2013. Results: Nineteen women delivered with elective caesarean section and received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and delivery, whereas one woman had a twin pregnancy with no antenatal follow – up and had a vaginal acute labour. All infants were administered zidovudine for four weeks after birth and were not breastfed by their mothers. Among the 21 infants, 4 were preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and 4 had a low birth – weight (<2,500gr) (19%). All infants were negative for HIV after a 6 months follow – up. Conclusion: Our results confirm that the recommended interventions are effective in controlling the HIV transmission to newborns and that early identification and treatment of all HIV – positive pregnant women can protect the next generation.
Keywords: HIV, pregnancy, perinatal HIV infection, prophylactic treatment of HIV
p. 54-58