Human immunodeficiency virus in pregnant women. The importance of recognizing the infection during pregnancy and risk factors for perinatal transmission

• Published in: Revista medíca de Chile 2003-06, Vol.131 (6), p.633-640
• Main Authors: Ovalle, SA, Vizueta, R E, Casals, CA, Northland, A R, Gonzalez, R R, Labbe, ME
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• ISSN: 0034-9887

Using adequate infection control measures, the rate of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during pregnancy, has been reduced to 3% in Chile. To determine vertical transmission rate and risk factors associated to perinatal infection in pregnant women with known (KI) and unknown HIV infection (UI). HIV infected pregnant women whose deliveries were attended at the San Borja Arriaran Hospital were included. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been used since 1995 (Zidovudine 13 patients, bitherapy 4 and triple therapy 14 patients). Newborns have received ART since 1995. Premature labor without evident cause, premature rupture of membranes, and rupture of membranes over 4 h before delivery were evaluated. Delivery was by elective cesarean section since 1993. Breast feeding was avoided. Pregnant women with UI (suspected disease after delivery due to child or mother pathology) did not received ART. Delivery and breast feeding were managed with common obstetrical-neonatal criteria. Fifty three HIV infected pregnant women were studied (43 with KI and 10 with UI). Four children (36.4%) from the KI group and seven (63.6%) from the UI group became infected. The global rate of vertical transmission among KI group was significantly lower than UI group: 9.5% (4/42) vs 70.0% (7/10) p 4 h and premature labor without a clinical cause.