HIV postexposure prophylaxis after sexual assault.
Recent advances in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease have prompted health care providers to reexamine recommendations for prophylaxis of HIV infection. Parallels with occupational exposure through mucous membrane tissues spur consideration of HIV prophylaxis after sexual assault for several reasons. In both instances, exposure occurs at a single point in time and is unlikely to recur. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not make definitive recommendations regarding postexposure prophylaxis after sexual assault, the reality is that as clinicians, we face situations in which we must consider treatment for prevention of HIV disease after sexual assault. Guidelines for treatment and how to create and implement a policy to ensure the best outcomes, and provide a high quality of patient care with the New York State guidelines as a model, are discussed.
Stevens
L
L
New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, HIV Clinical Education Initiative, Upstate Medical University, 2419UH, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Brown
M A
MA
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000191:economics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011902:Rape
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents