Assessment of welfare of the child in HIV positive couples.
BACKGROUND
Demand for assisted conception amongst HIV-infected couples is rising in parallel with increased efficacy of antiretroviral medication which has improved life expectancy and reduced vertical transmission risk. There are no published data on welfare of the child assessment in HIV positive couples undergoing assisted conception.


METHODS
We assessed welfare of the child in 131 (i.e. total number seen, not treated) couples, where one or both partners were infected with HIV and referred to the infertility clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital since 1999. In total, 59 couples received sperm washing treatment (male partner infected) resulting in 17 healthy babies, and 14 couples were treated in the female positive programme (5 concordant and 9 discordant for HIV) resulting in three healthy babies.


RESULTS
Issues surrounding welfare of the child were commonly encountered in this series and were significant enough to withhold treatment in five cases. Many were relationship issues surrounding acquisition of infection, fear of infection in the negative partner or child (n = 1), poor prognosis (multiple drug resistance) (n=3) or disability related to infection (n = 1).


CONCLUSIONS
Welfare of the child in HIV infected couples must be carefully considered in specialist centres with experienced counsellors. Issues surrounding treatment are complex and require close liaison with HIV specialists and involvement of the couple.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK.
L C G
LC
Frodsham
J R
JR
Smith
C
C
Gilling-Smith
D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D028761:Withholding Treatment