Evaluation and management of the infant exposed to HIV-1 in the United States

Pediatrics. 2009 Jan;123(1):175-87. doi: 10.1542/peds.2008-3076.

Abstract

The pediatrician plays a key role in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 infection. For infants born to women with HIV-1 infection identified during pregnancy, the pediatrician ensures that antiretroviral prophylaxis is provided to the infant to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV-1 infection and promotes avoidance of postnatal HIV-1 transmission by advising HIV-1-infected women not to breastfeed. The pediatrician should perform HIV-1 antibody testing for infants born to women whose HIV-1 infection status was not determined during pregnancy or labor. For HIV-1-exposed infants, the pediatrician monitors the infant for early determination of HIV-1 infection status and for possible short- and long-term toxicity from antiretroviral exposures. Provision of chemoprophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and support of families living with HIV-1 by providing counseling to parents or caregivers are also important components of care.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV-1* / drug effects
  • HIV-1* / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / therapy
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents