Zidovudine continuous infusion in an HIV-infected pregnant woman with a phobia of swallowing pills

Antivir Ther. 2017;22(8):727-729. doi: 10.3851/IMP3164.

Abstract

The authors report the difficulties of preventing mother-to-child transmission in a pregnant HIV-infected woman with a phobia of swallowing pills. After multiple attempts and just as many failures, the authors ended up with cART consisting of small tablets of nevirapine, lamivudine and a continuous intravenous infusion of zidovudine given via an elastomeric pump at home. This case demonstrates the difficulties that HIV physicians can encounter in pregnant women who have difficulties in swallowing tablets. In exceptional circumstances, continuous infusion of zidovudine may be an option, even in an outpatient setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Phobic Disorders / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zidovudine / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Zidovudine