Research & News
Lopinavir/r Safe For Use During Pregnancy
May 18, 2009
A recent study finds no difference in the prevalence of birth defects among infants prenatally exposed to lopinavir/ritonavir and infants in comparison groups. These data provide additional assurance about the safety of lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of pregnant HIV-... Read More
Nevirapine and Risk of Hepatotoxicity
May 18, 2009
Research shows that use of nevirapine for prophylaxis for two weeks or more increases rates of hepatotoxicity for individuals without HIV and HIV-positive pregnant women. Less hepatotoxicity was found in short course use of the drug, thus duration of therapy significantly... Read More
Disparity in Utilization of Rapid HIV Testing for Women in Labor
May 17, 2009
Study finds low compliance with rapid HIV testing for women with unknown HIV status and socioeconomic disparities in testing practices. Citation: Gaur S, Whitley-Williams P, Flash C, Jimenez E, Petrova A. Disparity in hospital utilization of rapid HIV-1 testing for... Read More
ART In Utero and Fetal Anomalies
May 16, 2009
A significant national study in the UK and Ireland found that HIV-positive women treated with ART during pregnancy had no increased risk of fetal anomalies regardless of the trimester in which fetal exposure occurred. Citation: Townsend CL, Willey BA, Cortina-Borja M... Read More
Benefits of Early Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy
Apr 19, 2009
Study finds improved survival in patients receiving early antiretroviral therapy as compared to those in the deferred therapy group. Citation: Kitahata MM, Gange SJ, Abraham AG, et al. Effect of early versus deferred antiretroviral therapy for HIV on survival. N Engl... Read More
Antiretroviral Medications During Pregnancy
Apr 19, 2009
Article summarizes recent studies examining the safety of antiretroviral medications for mother, fetus and child. Citation: Stek AM. Antiretroviral medications during pregnancy for therapy or prophylaxis. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2009 May;6(2):68-76. Abstract
Low CD4 Count and Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Apr 16, 2009
A study in Thailand examined the association between HIV-related factors and the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Results demonstrated that low maternal CD4 cell count was associated with IUGR. Citation: Cailhol J, Jourdain G, Coeur SL, et al.... Read More
Responses of HIV-Positive Mothers to Knowledge of Infant Status
Apr 16, 2009
A study of South African mothers of HIV-positive and HIV-negative babies explored maternal responses to knowledge of infant's HIV status and identified common themes. Citation: Lazarus R, Struthers H, Violari A. Hopes, fears, knowledge and misunderstandings: responses... Read More
Perinatal Depression in HIV-Infected Women
Apr 16, 2009
Study finds substantial rates of perinatal depression in HIV-infected women. Depression was associated with substance abuse, past history of psychiatric illness, low CD4 cell count, and difficulty with medication adherence. Citation: Kapetanovic S, Christensen S,... Read More
Amniocentesis and Risk of Perinatal Transmission of HIV
Mar 03, 2009
A French study finds that amniocentesis did not increase mother-to-child transmission of HIV in mothers treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy. Citation: Mandelbrot L, Jasseron C, Ekoukou D, et al. Amniocentesis and mother-to-child human immunodeficiency... Read More
