Female HIV-infected adolescents are now becoming pregnant.
Mortality of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) has increased in parts of the world and resulted in a growing number of children becoming orphans. It is estimated that by year 2010, AIDS will leave 20 million children alone in Africa without one or both parents. In the developed world there has since 1996 been observed a decline in AIDS related deaths, as a result of active antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and the number of people now receiving treatment. A recent report from Puerto Rico on ten pregnancies in perinatally HIV infected adolescents is presented and discussed. It is concluded that a new public health issue will arise due to progress in AIDS treatment, but the sample is too small and follow-up too short to make solid conclusions.
Merrick
Joav
J
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Division of Community Health, Zusman Child Development Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel. jmerrick@intranet-zahav.net
Kandel
Isack
I
D000293:Adolescent; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D020276:HIV Long-Term Survivors; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011647:Puerto Rico; D014481:United States