Early outcomes of HIV exposed children in the first district-wide programme using extended regimens for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, in Yaounde, Cameroon.
OBJECTIVE
Report on the early outcomes achieved in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in the Djoungolo Health District using more effective antiretroviral PMTCT regimens.


METHODS
Observational cohort of HIV exposed infants.


METHODS
early infant HIV status and 3-month mortality rate.


RESULTS
From March 2008 to March 2010, 587 HIV-positive mother-baby pairs were enrolled and classified according to the following maternal antiretroviral regimen: Group 1: highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), Group 2: dual therapy, Group 3: no treatment. 484/587 (82%) underwent HIV-early infant diagnosis at a median age of 7 weeks; 4.5% (95% CI 2.65-6.34) were HIV-infected. HIV transmission rate differed by maternal prophylaxis: 1.7% for HAART, 2.7% for dual therapy and 15.7% for Group 3 (p < 0.001), but not by feeding method (2.74%)-exclusive breastfeeding vs. 5.34% formula (NS). The 3-month mortality rate stands at 1%.


CONCLUSIONS
The 4.5% MTCT-rate of HIV-1 reported, confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of a district wide PMTCT programme using HAART in low-income settings.
National Social Insurance Fund Hospital (Centre Hospitalier d'ESSOS), PO Box 5777 Yaounde, Cameroon. anne.njom@gmail.com
Anne Esther
AE
Njom Nlend
Chantal
C
Same Ekobo
Mboua
M
Bitoungui
Bernadette
B
Bagfegue Ekani
Pierre
P
Tchokoteu
Sidonie
S
Lyeb
Gisele
G
Chewa
Suzie
S
Ndiang Tetang Moyo
Patrice
P
Tchendjou Takam
D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001942:Breast Feeding; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents