title: Prevention of perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.
abstract: The reproductive health needs of all women of childbearing age should routinely address effective and appropriate contraception, safer sex practices, and elimination of alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco should pregnancy occur. Combined antepartum, intrapartum, and infant antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis are recommended because ARV drugs reduce perinatal transmission by several mechanisms, including lowering maternal viral load and providing infant pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. Scheduled cesarean delivery at 38 weeks with IV AZT decreases the risk of perinatal transmission if the HIV RNA is greater than 1000 copies/mL or if HIV levels are unknown near the time of delivery. Oral AZT should generally be given for at least 6 weeks to all infants perinatally exposed to HIV to reduce perinatal transmission of HIV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Chappell
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 645 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: Susan-Cohn@northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Cohn
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: Antiretroviral medication; Contraception; Human immunodeficiency virus; Perinatal transmission; Pregnancy