Lack of long-term effects of in utero exposure to zidovudine among uninfected children born to HIV-infected women. Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol 219/076 Teams

Antiretroviral Options and Treatment Decisions During Pregnancy

The majority of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are the result of vertical transmissions that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The treatment of all pregnant persons living with HIV remains a global health initiative. Early and consistent use of antiretroviral therapy throughout pregnancy and childbirth drastically reduces the risk of perinatal transmission of HIV, resulting in fewer children living with the disease worldwide. Given that the maternal HIV viral load is the strongest predictor of perinatal transmission, suppressive antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy is the principal means to eliminate transmission of HIV from mother to child. With the use of combined antiretroviral therapy, typically with dual-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus an integrase strand transfer inhibitor or a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor, HIV-infected mothers can now achieve virologic suppression to undetectable levels and yield a perinatal transmission rate of less than 2%. Important considerations of HIV treatment in pregnancy include the safety and efficacy of antiretroviral drugs, altered pregnancy-related pharmacokinetics, potential for birth defects or adverse neonatal outcomes, and individualized delivery planning based on maternal viral load. This practical review article summarizes the options, considerations, and recommendations for antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy to reduce perinatal HIV transmission and optimize health outcomes for mothers and infants worldwide.

Developmental Disorder Probability Scores at 6-18 Years Old in Relation to In-Utero/Peripartum Antiretroviral Drug Exposure among Ugandan Children

(1) We examined the hypothesis that in utero/peripartum antiretroviral (IPA) exposure may affect the likelihood of developmental disorders-i.e., attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and functional impairment (FI). (2) Children and their primary caregivers were enrolled and followed for 12 months. The sample included 250 children perinatally HIV-infected (CPHIV), 250 children HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) of women living with HIV, and 250 children HIV unexposed and uninfected (CHUU) at 6-18 years of age. CHEU's IPA exposure -type was established via medical records and categorized as no IPA, single-dose nevirapine with/without zidovudine (SdNVP ± AZT), SdNVP + AZT + Lamivudine (3TC), or combination ART (cART). Developmental disorders were assessed at months 0, 6, and 12 per caregiver response to standardized questions from the third edition of Behavioral Assessment System for Children. Multivariable repeated measures linear regression models estimated standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) according to the IPA exposure type relative to CHUU with adjustment for the dyad's sociodemographic and psychosocial factors. (3) Relative to the CHUU, outcomes were similar for CPHIV/CHEU with cART, SdNVP ± AZT, and no anti-retroviral drug exposure in the peripartum period. For CHEU relative to CHUU, SdNVP + AZT + 3TC exposure was associated with lower resiliency (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.49, -0.51), and elevated scores on ADHD (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.70), ASD (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.61), and EBD (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.56) probability and functional impairment (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.61) index scores. With the exception of ADHD, the adverse association between SdNVP + AZT + 3TC and outcomes were replicated for CPHIV vs. CHUU. (4) The results provided reassuring evidence that cART exposure in the peripartum period is unlikely to be adversely associated with developmental disorder probability scores in late childhood and adolescent years. However, the peripartum SdNVP + AZT + 3TC exposure associated elevation in developmental disorder probability and functional limitation at 6-18 years of life is a concern.

Applications of Brain Organoids for Infectious Diseases

Brain organoids are self-organized three-dimensional aggregates generated from pluripotent stem cells. They exhibit complex cell diversities and organized architectures that resemble human brain development ranging from neural tube formation, neuroepithelium differentiation, neurogenesis and gliogenesis, to neural circuit formation. Rapid advancements in brain organoid culture technologies have allowed researchers to generate more accurate models of human brain development and neurological diseases. These models also allow for direct investigation of pathological processes associated with infectious diseases affecting the nervous system. In this review, we first briefly summarize recent advancements in brain organoid methodologies and neurodevelopmental processes that can be effectively modeled by brain organoids. We then focus on applications of brain organoids to investigate the pathogenesis of neurotropic viral infection. Finally, we discuss limitations of the current brain organoid methodologies as well as applications of other organ specific organoids in the infectious disease research.

In utero and peripartum antiretroviral exposure as predictor of cognition in 6- to 10-year-old HIV-exposed Ugandan children - a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To quantify association between in utero/peripartum antiretroviral (IPA) exposure and cognition, i.e. executive function (EF) and socioemotional adjustment (SEA), in school-aged Ugandan children who were perinatally HIV-infected (CPHIV, n = 100) and children who were HIV-exposed but uninfected (CHEU, n = 101).

METHODS

Children were enrolled at age 6-10 years and followed for 12 months from March 2017 to December 2018. Caregiver-reported child EF and SEA competencies were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months. IPA type - combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), intrapartum single-dose nevirapine ± zidovudine (sdNVP ± ZDV), nevirapine + zidovudine + lamivudine (sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC) - or no IPA (reference) was verified via medical records. IPA-related standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in cognitive competencies were estimated from regression models with adjustment for caregiver sociodemographic and contextual factors. Models were fitted separately for CPHIV and CHEU.

RESULTS

Among CPHIV children, cART (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI: -1.37 to -0.28) and sdNVP ± ZDV (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.00) vs. no IPA predicted lower executive dysfunction over 12 months. Intrapartum sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC vs. no IPA predicted executive dysfunction (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.30-1.31), SEA problems (SMD = 0.63-0.76, 95% CI: 0.00-1.24) and lower adaptive skills (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.75-0.02) over 12 months among CHEU. Further adjustment for contextual factors attenuated associations, although most remained of moderate clinical importance (|SMD| > 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Among CPHIV children, cART and sdNVP ± ZDV IPA exposure predicted, on average, lower executive dysfunction 6-10 years later. However, peripartum sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC predicted executive and SEA dysfunction among CHEU 6-10 years later. These data underscore the need for more research into long-term effects of in utero ART to inform development of appropriate interventions so as to mitigate cognitive sequelae.

Brain microstructural changes support cognitive deficits in HIV uninfected children born to HIV infected mothers

Introduction

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is considered the most effective way to prevent perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, there is little knowledge about the effect of ART on the brain of HIV uninfected children born to HIV infected mothers (HUC). The current study evaluated the brain's microstructural integrity, and cognitive function in HUC compared to healthy children born to normal mothers (CHNM) and HIV infected children born to HIV infected mothers (HIC) to investigate the effect of in-utero exposure of ART on cerebral gray and white matter.

Materials and methods

Forty nine HIC, 12 HUC and 18 CHNM underwent neuropsychological (NP) assessment and a brain MRI. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was used to generate fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps. Voxel wise comparison for FA and MD was performed between three groups using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) including age and sex as covariates, and correction for multiple comparisons (false discovery rate (FDR), p ​< ​0.05 with minimum extended cluster size, 150 voxels). NP test scores were also compared between three groups using ANOVA with Post Hoc Bonferroni multiple comparison corrections (p ​< ​0.05). Significantly changed FA and MD values in different brain regions in HIC and HUC compared to CHNM were used for correlation analysis with NP test scores using Pearson's correlation.

Results

HIC and HUC groups showed significantly decreased NP test scores in various domain compared to CHNM. Significantly lower NP test scores was observed in HIC than those of HUC. HIC showed decreased FA and increased MD in multiple brain sites as compared to both CHNM and HUC. Decreased FA along with both increased and decreased MD in different brain regions was present in HUC compared to CHNM. Both positive and negative correlation of altered FA and MD values from different brain regions in HIC and HUC with NP test scores was observed.

Conclusion

The presence of brain tissue changes and neurocognitive function deficit in absence of HIV infection in HUC indicates that ART may have a detrimental impact on the developing brain. The findings of the current study underscore the need for screening of ART exposed children for neurodevelopment and cognitive abnormalities at an early stage and call for access to early interventions, and nutritional and care programs.

Evaluating Neurodevelopmental Consequences of Perinatal Exposure to Antiretroviral Drugs: Current Challenges and New Approaches

As antiretroviral therapy (ART) becomes increasingly affordable and accessible to women of childbearing age across the globe, the number of children who are exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) but remain uninfected is on the rise, almost all of whom were also exposed to ART perinatally. Although ART has successfully aided in the decline of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV, the long-term effects of in utero exposure to ART on fetal and postnatal neurodevelopment remain unclear. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of therapeutic drugs for pregnant women is a challenge due to the historic limitations on their inclusion in clinical trials and the dynamic physiological states during pregnancy that can alter the pharmacokinetics of drug metabolism and fetal drug exposure. Thus, much of our data on the potential consequences of ART drugs on the developing nervous system comes from preclinical animal models and clinical observational studies. In this review, we will discuss the current state of knowledge and existing approaches to investigate whether ART affects fetal brain development, and describe novel human stem cell-based strategies that may provide additional information to better predict the impact of specific drugs on the human central nervous system. Graphical Abstract Approaches to evaluate the impact of drugs on the developing brain. Dysregulation of the developing nervous system can lead to long-lasting changes. Integration of data from animal models, clinical observations, and cell culture studies is needed to predict the safety of therapeutic antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. New approaches include human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based 2D and 3D models of neuronal networks and brain regions, as well as single cell profiling in response to drug exposure.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes and in-utero antiretroviral exposure in HIV-exposed uninfected children

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare neurodevelopmental disorders in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children in British Columbia, Canada. To determine associations between these outcomes and in-utero exposure to antiretroviral drugs.

DESIGN

Retrospective controlled cohort study.

METHODS

Data were collected on 446 HEU children and 1323 HUU children (matched ∼1 : 3 for age, sex, and geocode) born between 1990 and 2012. Multivariable logistic regressions determined odds ratios of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses.

RESULTS

HEUs had three times higher odds of being born preterm (P < 0.0001), and a more than two-fold increase in odds for autism, disturbance of emotions, hyperkinetic syndrome, and developmental delay compared with matched HUUs (P < 0.02) in unadjusted analysis. This association was reduced [adjusted neurodevelopmental disorder odds ratio (AOR) = 1.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.12-2.48; P = 0.011] after adjusting for maternal substance use and/or smoking (children born after April 2000). Regardless of antiretroviral exposure type (i.e. none, treatment with one or multiple drug classes), HEUs had higher odds of any neurodevelopmental disorders compared with matched HUUs; however, there was no evidence suggesting any specific classes of antiretroviral drugs or exposure durations increased their likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest no adverse associations between antiretroviral drugs and neurodevelopmental disorders within antiretroviral-exposed HEU children in our cohort. Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders is higher in HEUs; however, maternal substance use plays a role, as could other environmental factors not captured. These findings highlight a need for holistic support for pregnant women as well as careful developmental monitoring of HEUs past infancy, and access to early interventions, particularly among those born preterm and those exposed to addictive substances.

Lower endometrial receptivity in HIV-infected women receiving oocyte donation: a comorbidity of HIV infection?

STUDY QUESTION

Are the reproductive outcomes of HIV-infected donor oocyte recipient women comparable to those of non-infected women?

SUMMARY ANSWER

HIV-infected women have lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates than non-infected women.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN

The literature on the effect of HIV infection on reproductive outcome is scarce at best; the only report to date comparing oocyte donation cycles in HIV-infected women versus non-infected controls found no differences in pregnancy rates between the two groups. However, this study was performed nearly a decade ago and did not evaluate the effect of immuno-virological characteristics of oocyte recipients or the HIV antiretroviral therapy effect.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, AND DURATION

This is a matched-cohort study including 514 oocyte donation cycles, 257 from HIV-infected women and 257 non-infected controls, performed between April 2004 and November 2014.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, AND METHOD

Each cycle of an HIV-infected woman (n = 257) was matched with a cycle of a non-infected woman (1:1). Biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth in the two groups were compared using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The effect of antiretroviral treatment options on pregnancy outcomes of HIV-infected women was analyzed using a logistic regression model adjusted for time elapsed from diagnosis, and CD4 levels and viral load prior to embryo transfer.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Cycles of HIV-infected patients receiving oocyte donation presented lower pregnancy and live birth rates than matched non-infected controls. Treatment options and infection parameters analyzed do not seem to affect the reproductive results in HIV-infected women. The variable most influencing pregnancy outcomes was the number of transferred embryos; lower pregnancy rates were obtained after single embryo transfer.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Patients with HIV infection have specific health issues, such as infection/treatment side effects, which makes it impossible to find a matching control group of non-infected patients for these variables.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

HIV-infected women receiving donated oocytes present lower pregnancy rates when compared to non-infected controls, regardless of the antiretroviral treatment followed. The complexity of the treatments (both in medication types and combinations) makes it difficult to define whether any one treatment option is better than the others in terms of pregnancy outcomes in oocyte recipients.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable.

Longitudinal development of cognitive, visuomotor and adaptive behavior skills in HIV uninfected children, aged 3-5 years of age, exposed pre- and perinatally to anti-retroviral medications

Little is known about the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children older than 3 years of age born to HIV infected mother but who are HIV-uninfected (HEU), and who have been exposed in utero and early in life to HIV and to antiretroviral medications (ARVs). We conducted a longitudinal study of cognitive, visuomotor and adaptive function of HEU children, who were assessed at two ages, 3.5 and 5.5 years. Sixty-four children (33 female) were assessed. In comparison with population norms for their age, at 3.5 years of age they had scores significantly below age expectations on aspects of adaptive behavior, but at age 5.5 years, their scores did not significantly diverge from the population norms on any of the measures. Verbal intelligence was lower at age 5.5 than at age 3.5 years, although there were also improvements in some features of adaptive behavior. Exposure to PI-based ARVs (compared to NNRTIs) was associated with higher Performance IQ, visuomotor and communication scores at age 5.5 years. Birth, early growth, and sociodemographic variables were predictive of outcomes. This study is important in tracking the trajectory of neurocognitive development across the pre-school and early school age years. The findings suggest that the full impact of early ARV exposure may not be evident until a considerable period of development has occurred. The results raise the possibility of negative effects of early ARV exposure on neurodevelopment that emerge over time, and reiterate the importance of sociodemographic and early health variables for optimal development.

Development assessment of HIV exposed children aged 6-18 months: a cohort study from North India

HIV exposed children are vulnerable to developmental delay irrespective of their HIV status due to combined effect of risk factors like poverty, prenatal drug exposure, stress and chronic illness in family and malnutrition. This cohort study assessed the development of 50 HIV exposed children aged 6-18 months at a Pediatric Centre of Excellence in HIV care in India. The development was assessed using Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) at enrolment, 3 and 6 months later. The development quotient (DQ) scores and proportion of children with developmental delay (DQ ≤ 70) were compared among two sub-groups, HIV infected (HI) and HIV exposed uninfected (HEU) children. The various social and clinical factors affecting development were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. Prevalence of developmental delay was 2.4% in the HEU (n = 41), and 33.3% in HI (n = 9). The DQ of HI was significantly lower than that of HEU at all three assessments. The DQ of HI were also significantly lower compared to the HEU at ages 12.1-18 months (83.37 ± 20.73 vs 94.68 ± 5.13, p = 0.005) and 18.1-24 months (84.55 ± 15.35 vs 94.63 ± 5.86, p = 0.006) respectively. The development of HEU was adversely affected by lower socioeconomic status and presence of wasting. In addition, development of HI was also adversely influenced by presence of stunting and opportunistic infections, advanced disease stage and shorter ART duration. We conclude that with optimum care, HEU can have a normal development, while a considerable proportion of HI may continue to have delayed development.

Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV-1-Positive Mothers: Neurological Implications in Virus-Free Children

Since the worldwide introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in human immunodeficiency virus type 1, HIV-1-positive mothers, together with HIV-1 testing prior to pregnancy, caesarian birth and breastfeeding cessation with replacement feeding, a reduction of HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) has been observed in the last few years. As such, an increasing number of children are being exposed in utero to ART. Several questions have arisen concerning the neurological effects of ART exposure in utero, considering the potential effect of antiretroviral drugs on the central nervous system, a structure which is in continuous development in the fetus and characterized by great plasticity. This review aims at discussing the possible neurological impairment of children exposed to ART in utero, focusing attention on the drugs commonly used for HIV-1 MTCT prevention, clinical reports of ART neurotoxicity in children born to HIV-1-positive mothers, and neurologic effects of protease inhibitors (PIs), especially ritonavir-“boosted” lopinavir (LPV/r) in cell and animal central nervous system models evaluating the potential neurotoxic effect of ART. Finally, we present the findings of a meta-analysis to assess the effects on the neurodevelopment of children exposed to ART in utero.

HIV-associated malignancies in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

HIV-infected children are at an increased risk of developing cancer. Many of the cancers in HIV-infected children are linked to immunosuppression and oncogenic coinfections. Worldwide most HIV-infected children live in sub-Saharan Africa, but cancer data for this population are scarce. In this article, we review the current literature on the epidemiology and prevention of cancer in HIV-infected children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces the risk of developing cancer in HIV-infected children. Cancer risk remains increased in children who start cART at older ages or more advanced immunosuppression as compared with children who start cART at younger age and with mild immunosuppression. Starting cART before severe immunosuppression develops is key to prevent cancer in HIV-infected children but most children in low-income countries start cART at severe immunosuppression levels. Vaccination against high-risk variants of human papillomavirus may protect again human papillomavirus-associated cancer later in life. However, tailoring of human papillomavirus vaccination guidelines for HIV-infected children and young women awaits answers to determine the best vaccination strategies.

SUMMARY

Better data on the short-term and long-term risks of developing cancer and the effects of preventive measures in HIV-infected children from regions with high burden of HIV/AIDS are urgently needed.

Managing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Infection in Developed-Country Settings

This article reviews current understanding of the management of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 infection in the context of developed-country settings. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has facilitated the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection in developed countries, reducing transmission rates to approximately 1–2%. This review describes the epidemiology of HIV infection among women of child-bearing age and the risk factors, timing and mechanisms of mother-to-child transmission, followed by a discussion of the identification of pregnant HIV-infected women and their therapeutic and obstetric management.

Infant peripheral blood repetitive element hypomethylation associated with antiretroviral therapy in utero

The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and delivery is generally considered safe. However, vigilant assessment of potential risks of these agents remains warranted. Epigenetic changes including DNA methylation are considered potential mechanisms linking the in utero environment with long-term health outcomes. Few studies have examined the epigenetic effects of prenatal exposure to pharmaceutical agents, including antiretroviral therapies, on children. In this study, we examined the methylation status of the LINE-1 and ALU-Yb8 repetitive elements as markers of global DNA methylation alteration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from newborns participating in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study SMARTT cohort of HIV-exposed, cART-exposed uninfected infants compared to a historical cohort of HIV-exposed, antiretroviral-unexposed infants from the Women and Infants Transmission Study Cohort. In linear regression models controlling for potential confounders, we found the adjusted mean difference of AluYb8 methylation of the cART-exposed compared to the -unexposed was -0.568 (95% CI: -1.023, -0.149) and for LINE-1 methylation was -1.359 (95% CI: -1.860, -0.857). Among those exposed to cART, subjects treated with atazanavir (ATV), compared to those on other treatments, had less AluYb8 methylation (-0.524, 95% CI: -0.025, -1.024). Overall, these results suggest a small but statistically significant reduction in the methylation of these repetitive elements in an HIV-exposed, cART-exposed cohort compared to an HIV-exposed, cART-unexposed historic cohort. The potential long-term implications of these differences are worthy of further examination.

Cancer Among Children With Perinatal Exposure to HIV and Antiretroviral Medications--New Jersey, 1995-2010

BACKGROUND

Concerns remain regarding the cancer risk associated with perinatal antiretroviral (ARV) exposure among infants. No excessive cancer risk has been found in short-term studies.

METHODS

Children born to HIV-infected women (HIV-exposed) in New Jersey from 1995 to 2008 were identified through the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System and cross-referenced with data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry to identify new cases of cancer among children who were perinatally exposed to ARV. Matching of individuals in the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System to the New Jersey State Cancer Registry was conducted based on name, birth date, Social Security number, residential address, and sex using AutoMatch. Age- and sex-standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using New Jersey (1979-2005) and US (1999-2009) cancer rates.

RESULTS

Among 3087 children (29,099 person-years; median follow-up: 9.8 years), 4 were diagnosed with cancer. Cancer incidence among HIV-exposed children who were not exposed to ARV prophylaxis (22.5 per 100,000 person-years) did not differ significantly from the incidence among children who were exposed to any perinatal ARV prophylaxis (14.3 per 100,000 person-years). Furthermore, the number of cases observed among individuals exposed to ARV did not differ significantly from cases expected based on state (SIR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.25 to 3.54) and national (SIR = 1.27; 95% CI: 0.26 to 3.70) reference rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are reassuring that current use of ARV for perinatal HIV prophylaxis does not increase cancer risk. We found no evidence to alter the current federal guidelines of 2014 that recommend ARV prophylaxis of HIV-exposed infants.

Adverse drug reactions associated with antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Antiretroviral (ARV) drug use during pregnancy significantly reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission, delays disease progression in the women and reduces the risk of HIV transmission to HIV-serodiscordant partners. Pregnant women are susceptible to the same adverse reactions to ARVs as nonpregnant adults as well as to specific pregnancy-related reactions. In addition, we should consider adverse pregnancy outcomes and adverse reactions in children exposed to ARVs during intrauterine life. However, studies designed to assess the safety of ARV in pregnant women are rare, usually with few participants and short follow-up periods.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we discuss studies reporting adverse reactions to ARV drugs, including maternal toxicity, adverse pregnancy outcomes and the consequences of exposure to ARV in infants. We included results of observational studies, both prospective and retrospective, as well as randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

EXPERT OPINION

The benefits of ARV use during pregnancy outweigh the risks of adverse reactions identified to date. More studies are needed to assess the adverse effects in the medium- and long term in children exposed to ARVs during pregnancy, as well as pregnant women using lifelong antiretroviral therapy and more recently available drugs.

Safety of in utero and neonatal antiretroviral exposure: cognitive and academic outcomes in HIV-exposed, uninfected children 5-13 years of age

BACKGROUND

Long-term effects of in utero and neonatal antiretroviral (ARV) exposure on cognitive and academic development in HIV-exposed, uninfected school-age children are unknown.

METHODS

HIV-exposed, uninfected children, ages 5-13 years, in Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study Surveillance Monitoring for Antiretroviral Treatment Toxicities, a US-based multisite cohort study, completed age-appropriate Wechsler intelligence and academic scales (WPPSI-III, WASI, WIAT-II-A). Associations between cognitive and academic outcomes and in utero ARV exposure by regimen, class and individual ARVs were evaluated, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Children completing WPPSI-IIIs (n = 350) were 49% male, 74% Black, 25% Hispanic; WASI (n = 337) and WIAT-II-A (n = 415) cohorts were similar. The percentage exposed to combination ARV (cARV) was 84% (WPPSI-III), 64% (WASI) and 67% (WIAT-II-A). Among ARV-exposed children, there were no significant associations between any ARV regimen or class and any cognitive or academic outcome. In addition, in both unadjusted models and after adjustment for caregiver IQ, sociodemographic factors and maternal health and substance use during pregnancy, no individual ARV drug was associated with significantly lower cognitive or academic scores. Factors typically associated with lower cognitive and academic scores in the general population, such as prematurity, small for gestational age, maternal alcohol use and lower maternal cognitive status, were also associated with lower scores in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the safety of prenatal and neonatal ARV use was supported.

Foetal loss and enhanced fertility observed in mice treated with Zidovudine or Nevirapine

BACKGROUND

Health concerns for HIV-infected persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have moved from morbidity to the challenges of long-term ART. We investigated the effect of Zidovudine or Nevirapine on reproductive capacity across two mouse generations.

METHODS

A prospective mouse study with drugs administered through one spermatogenic cycle. Mouse groups (16 males and 10 females) were given Zidovudine or Nevirapine for 56 days. Males were mated to untreated virgin females to determine dominant lethal effects. Twenty females (10 treated and 10 untreated) mated with the treated males per dose and gave birth to the F1 generation. Parental mice were withdrawn from drugs for one spermatogenic cycle and mated to the same dams to ascertain if effects are reversible. The F1 generation were exposed for another 56 days and mated to produce the F2 generation.

RESULTS

Foetal loss was indicated in the dominant lethal assay as early as four weeks into drug administration to the males. At the first mating of the parental generation to produce the F1 generation, births from 10 dams/dose when the 'father-only' was exposed to Zidovudine (10, 100 and 250 mg/kg) was 3, 2 and 1 while it was 7, 1 and 4 respectively when 'both-parents' were exposed. Similarly births from the parental generation first mating when the 'father-only' was exposed to Nevirapine (5, 50 and 150 mg/kg) was 2, 2 and 0 while it was 6, 5 and 9 respectively when 'both-parents' were exposed. However, fertility was not significantly different neither by dose nor by the parental exposure. The F1 mice mated to produce the F2 generation recorded only one birth.

CONCLUSION

The dominant lethal analysis showed foetal loss occurred when the "fathers-only" were treated while fertility was enhanced when "both-parents" were on therapy at the time of mating.

Metabolic complications of in utero maternal HIV and antiretroviral exposure in HIV-exposed infants

BACKGROUND

Despite a wide body of literature supporting the use of antenatal antiretrovirals (ARV) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, there remains a need for continued monitoring as the intrauterine interval is a critical period during which fetal programming influences the future health and development of the child.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the current literature addressing potential metabolic complications of in utero HIV and ARV exposure. We describe studies evaluating metabolic outcomes such as intrauterine and early postnatal growth, bone health and mitochondrial toxicity.

RESULTS

Overall, infants exposed to HIV/ARV do not appear to exhibit vastly compromised intrauterine or early postnatal growth. However, some studies on the effect of combination antiretroviral therapy on small for gestational age and low birth weight outcomes in low-middle income countries show a risk for small for gestational age/low birth weight while those in the United States do not. Postnatal growth to 1 year does not appear to be affected by intrauterine tenofovir exposure in African studies, but a US study found statistically significant differences in length for age z scores (LAZ) at 1 year. Little data exists on long-term bone health. Mitochondrial toxicity including abnormal mitochondrial morphology and DNA content, as well as neurologic deficits and death, have been demonstrated in HIV/ARV-exposed infants.

CONCLUSION

Although gross measures of metabolic well-being appear to be reassuring, careful vigilance of even small risks for potential serious adverse effects to infants exposed to intrauterine HIV/ARVs is warranted as intrauterine fetal metabolic programming may substantially impact the future health of the child.

Cognitive and language outcomes in HIV-uninfected infants exposed to combined antiretroviral therapy in utero and through extended breast-feeding

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is a higher risk for cognitive or language delay among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children exposed to cART (zidovudine/lamivudine/lopinavir/ritonavir) in utero and through 1 year of breast-feeding (World health Organization Option B+), compared with the control children born to HIV-uninfected mothers.

DESIGN

This is a double cohort study from Lusaka, Zambia.

METHODS

HEU (n = 97) and control (n = 103) children aged 15-36 months were assessed on their early nonverbal problem-solving and language skills using the standardized Capute Scales. A score of less than 85 on the Capute Full-Scale Developmental Quotient (FSDQ) was considered indicative of developmental delay and was the primary outcome of interest.

RESULTS

An FSDQ of less than 85 was found in eight (8.3%) of HEU participants and 15 (14.6%) of controls. In univariate logistic regressions, lower income [odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, P = 0.02], older infant age (OR = 1.08, P = 0.03), lower birth weight (OR = 0.16, P < 0.001), and less maternal education (OR = 0.41, P = 0.047) were associated with the probability of FSDQ less than 85, whereas Group (control/HEU) was not (OR = 1.88, P = 0.16). In the multivariable analysis, only lower birth weight (OR = 0.15, P < 0.001) remained associated with FSDQ less than 85.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not support the presence of an adverse effect on cognitive and language development with prolonged antepartum and postpartum cART e/xposure. Larger studies and studies of older HEU children will be required to confirm these reassuring findings.

Perinatally acquired HIV infection: long-term neuropsychological consequences and challenges ahead

Over the past three decades, perinatal HIV infection in the United States has evolved from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic illness. As the majority of youth with perinatal HIV infection age into adolescence and adulthood, management of this stigmatizing, transmittable disease in the backdrop of a cadre of environmental stressors presents challenges beyond those of other chronic illnesses. The neurologic and neuropsychological consequences of this neurotropic virus have important implications for the successful navigation of responsibilities related to increasingly independent living of this aging population. This article will review the neurologic and neuropsychological consequences of perinatal HIV infection and concomitant factors in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy and will provide an overview of the neuropathology, pathogenesis, neuroimaging findings, and treatment of perinatal HIV infection, as well as recommendations for service provision and future research.

Exposure of Allium cepa root cells to zidovudine or nevirapine induces cytogenotoxic changes

Antiretroviral drugs have proved useful in the clinical management of HIV-infected persons, though there are concerns about the effects of exposure to these DNA-reactive drugs. We investigated the potential of the plant model Allium cepa root tip assay to demonstrate the cytogenotoxicity of zidovudine and nevirapine and as a replace-reduce-refine programme amenable to resource-poor research settings. Cells mitotic index were determined in squashed root cells from Allium cepa bulbs exposed to zidovudine or nevirapine for 48 hr. The concentration of zidovudine and nevirapine inhibiting 50% root growth after 96 hr exposure was 65.0 µM and 92.5 µM respectively. Root length of all antiretroviral-exposed roots after 96 hr exposure was significantly shorter than the unexposed roots while additional root growth during a subsequent 48 hr recovery period in the absence of drug was not significantly different. By ANOVA, there was a significant association between percentage of cells in mitosis and zidovudine dose (p=0.004), but not nevirapine dose (p=0.68). Chromosomal aberrations such as sticky chromosomes, chromatin bridges, multipolar mitoses and binucleated cells were observed in root cells exposed to zidovudine and nevirapine for 48 hr. The most notable chromosomal aberration was drug-related increases in sticky chromosomes. Overall, the study showed inhibition in root length growth, changes in the mitotic index, and the induction of chromosomal aberrations in Allium bulbs treated for 96 hr or 48 hr with zidovudine and nevirapine. The study reveals generalized cytogenotoxic damage induced by exposure to zidovudine and nevirapine, and further show that the two compounds differ in their effects on mitosis and the types of chromosomal aberrations induced.

Neurological and psychiatric adverse effects of antiretroviral drugs

Antiretroviral drugs are associated with a variety of adverse effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. The frequency and severity of neuropsychiatric adverse events is highly variable, with differences between the antiretroviral classes and amongst the individual drugs in each class. In the developing world, where the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) stavudine remains a commonly prescribed antiretroviral, peripheral neuropathy is an important complication of treatment. Importantly, this clinical entity is often difficult to distinguish from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced peripheral neuropathy. Several clinical trials have addressed the efficacy of various agents in the treatment of NRTI-induced neurotoxicity. NRTI-induced neurotoxicity is caused by inhibition of mitochondrial DNA polymerase. This mechanism is also responsible for the mitochondrial myopathy and lactic acidosis that occur with zidovudine. NRTIs, particularly zidovudine and abacavir, may also cause central nervous system (CNS) manifestations, including mania and psychosis. The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) efavirenz is perhaps the antiretroviral most commonly associated with CNS toxicity, causing insomnia, irritability and vivid dreams. Recent studies have suggested that the risk of developing these adverse effects is increased in patients with various cytochrome P450 2B6 alleles. Protease inhibitors cause perioral paraesthesias and may indirectly increase the relative risk of stroke by promoting atherogenesis. HIV integrase inhibitors, C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) inhibitors and fusion inhibitors rarely cause neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Motor development of infants exposed to maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but not infected

BACKGROUND

To assess the motor development of infants exposed to maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS

Thirty infants were assessed in the period from November 2009 to March 2010 at the AIDS Reference and Training Centre, in São Paulo, Brazil. The assessment instrument used in the research was the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). All 30 infants used the antiretroviral drug properly for 42 consecutive days, in accordance with the protocol of the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

Out of the total number of infants, 27 (90%) had proper motor performance and 3 (10%) presented motor delay, according to the AIMS.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that only 10% of the assessed group had developmental delay and no relation with environmental variables was detected, such as maternal level of education, social and economic issues, maternal practices, attendance at the day care center, and drug use during pregnancy. It is important to emphasize the necessity of studies with a larger number of participants.

HIV protease inhibitors in pregnancy : pharmacology and clinical use

The impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the natural history of HIV-1 infection has resulted in dramatic reductions in disease-associated morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection worldwide is changing, as women now represent a substantial proportion of infected adults. As more highly effective and tolerable antiretroviral regimens become available, and as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission becomes an attainable goal in the management of HIV-infected individuals, more and more HIV-positive women are choosing to become pregnant and have children. Consequently, it is important to consider the efficacy and safety of antiretroviral agents in pregnancy. Protease inhibitors are a common class of medication used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection and are increasingly being used in pregnancy. However, several studies have raised concerns regarding pharmacokinetic alterations in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, which results in suboptimal drug concentrations and a theoretically higher risk of virologic failure and perinatal transmission. Drug level reductions have been observed with each individual protease inhibitor and dose adjustments in pregnancy are suggested for certain agents. Furthermore, studies have also raised concerns regarding the safety of protease inhibitors in pregnancy, particularly as they may increase the risk of pre-term birth and metabolic disturbances. Overall, protease inhibitors are safe and effective for the treatment of HIV-infected pregnant women. Specifically, ritonavir-boosted lopinavir- and atazanavir-based regimens are preferred in pregnancy, while ritonavir-boosted darunavir- and saquinavir-based therapies are reasonable alternatives. This paper reviews the use of protease inhibitors in pregnancy, focusing on pharmacokinetic and safety considerations, and outlines the recommendations for use of this class of medication in the HIV-1-infected pregnant woman.

Haematological changes in African children who received short-term prophylaxis with nevirapine and zidovudine at birth

We assessed the safety of short-term antiretroviral prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV by monitoring haematological changes in children up to the age of 18 months. Babies of HIV-infected women were randomised at birth to receive a single dose of nevirapine (NVP) alone or with zidovudine (ZDV) twice daily for a week. Based on the time of presentation to the labour ward, mothers of these babies might or might not have received intrapartum NVP. Complete blood counts were performed at birth and at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months. Babies' HIV status was determined by HIV-1 RNA testing. A total of 1755 babies were included in the study. Age-specific mean haemoglobin levels and prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin < 10 g/dL) were not significantly different in cases where only the babies received a single dose of NVP and cases where NVP was given to mother/infant pairs or additional ZDV to the baby. Among HIV-infected children compared with uninfected children, the age-specific frequency of anaemia was significantly greater, anaemia started earlier and recovery to normal levels was slower and prolonged. A reversible granulocytopenia was observed in all children between 1.5 and 3 months of age. HIV infection significantly increased the children's risk of death. Antiretroviral prophylaxis appeared to protect against anaemia and child death. Short regimens of antiretrovirals to prevent MTCT of HIV are not associated with long-term adverse haematological changes.

Growth and body composition of uninfected children exposed to human immunodeficiency virus: comparison with a contemporary cohort and United States National Standards

OBJECTIVE

To compare growth and body composition of uninfected children exposed to HIV with a contemporary HIV-unexposed group and to US references.

STUDY DESIGN

Uninfected children exposed to HIV under 2 years were enrolled into a longitudinal observational study and unexposed children under 2 years of age in a cross-sectional evaluation. Weights, lengths, head circumferences, skinfold thicknesses, and arm and thigh circumferences were measured and adjusted for age using Centers for Disease Control and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey standards. Uninfected children exposed to HIV were compared with an unexposed nearest-neighbor matched comparison group. Uninfected children exposed to HIV were compared by age to Centers for Disease Control standards for growth measures and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey standards for body composition.

RESULTS

One hundred eleven uninfected children exposed to HIV and 82 children not exposed to HIV were evaluated. For the matched comparison for both groups, the mean age was 10 months, 59% were male, and 73% were African American. No statistical differences were found in anthropometric measurements between uninfected children who were or were not exposed to HIV. Uninfected children exposed to HIV were smaller than US standards at birth with mean (SD) weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores of -0.39 (1.06); P = .002 and -0.35 (1.04); P = .005, respectively. Over the first 2 years of life, there was a trend toward increasing weight-for-age z-score, length-for-age z-score, and weight-for-length z-score in uninfected children exposed to HIV. Subscapular and triceps skinfolds among uninfected children exposed to HIV were lower than national standards and there was a trend that mid-upper arm circumference decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth and body composition of uninfected children who were or were not exposed to HIV were similar. Uninfected children exposed to HIV weigh less at birth and show a pattern of slightly accelerated growth in the first 2 years of life. Uninfected children exposed to HIV had less subcutaneous fat and decreasing mid-upper arm circumference over time when compared with US standards.

Safety of perinatal exposure to antiretroviral medications: developmental outcomes in infants

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated effects of perinatal exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) medications on neurodevelopment of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants.

METHODS

HIV-exposed, uninfected infants (age 9-15 months) enrolled in Surveillance Monitoring for Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicities, a multisite prospective surveillance study, completed the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III), assessing cognition, language, motor skills, social-emotional development and adaptive behavior. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between Bayley-III outcomes in infants with and without perinatal and neonatal ARV exposure, by regimen (combination ARV [cARV] versus non-cARV), type of regimen (defined by drug class) and individual ARVs (for infants with cARV exposure), adjusting for maternal and infant health and demographic covariates.

RESULTS

As of May 2010, 374 infants had valid Bayley-III evaluations. Median age at testing was 12.7 months; 49% male, 79% black and 16% Hispanic. Seventy-nine percent were exposed to regimens containing protease inhibitors (9% of protease inhibitor-containing regimens also included non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors), 5% to regimens containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (without protease inhibitor) and 14% to regimens containing only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Overall, 83% were exposed to cARV. No Bayley-III outcome was significantly associated with overall exposure to cARV, ARV regimen or neonatal prophylaxis. For individual ARVs, following sensitivity analyses, the adjusted group mean on the Language domain was within age expectations but significantly lower for infants with perinatal exposure to atazanavir (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the safety of perinatal ARV use. Continued monitoring for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in older children is warranted, and the safety of atazanavir merits further study.

Case treated with triple therapy of lamivudine, interferon-β and prednisolone for acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B during pregnancy

We herein report a case of a pregnant Chinese woman who suffered an acute exacerbation of hepatitis B. The patient's liver enzymes became elevated toward the end of the first trimester. She was treated with lamivudine, interferon (IFN)-β and steroids early in the second trimester. After this treatment regimen was initiated, aminotransferase levels rapidly normalized within 4 weeks. IFN-β and steroids were administrated for 2 weeks in the second trimester, while the administration of lamivudine continued until delivery. The spontaneous delivery of a female baby weighing 2984 g occurred at 37 weeks of gestation. A neonatal examination revealed no congenital anomalies, and fetal growth was found to be within normal reference ranges. The infant received simultaneous active and passive hepatitis B virus immunization within 12 h of delivery and completed the hepatitis B vaccine schedule at 2, 3 and 5 months of age. The infant was successfully prevented from contracting hepatitis B virus. This case suggests that combination therapy with lamivudine, IFN-β and steroids may be safely used during the second trimester to treat acute exacerbations of hepatitis B.

Antiretrovirals and safer conception for HIV-serodiscordant couples

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many men and women living with HIV and their uninfected partners attempt to conceive children. HIV-prevention science can be applied to reduce sexual transmission risk while respecting couples' reproductive goals. Here we discuss antiretrovirals as prevention in the context of safer conception for HIV-serodiscordant couples.

RECENT FINDINGS

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the infected partner and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the uninfected partner reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission. Several demonstration projects suggest the feasibility and acceptability of antiretroviral (ARV)s as periconception HIV-prevention for HIV-serodiscordant couples. The application of ARVs to periconception risk reduction may be limited by adherence.

SUMMARY

For male-infected (M+F-) couples who cannot access sperm processing and female-infected (F+M-) couples unwilling to carry out insemination without intercourse, ART for the infected partner, PrEP for the uninfected partner, combined with treatment for sexually transmitted infections, sex limited to peak fertility, and medical male circumcision (for F+M couples) provide excellent, well tolerated options for reducing the risk of periconception HIV sexual transmission.

Neurodevelopment in children born to HIV-infected mothers by infection and treatment status

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the impact of HIV, HIV exposure, and antiretroviral therapy/prophylaxis on neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV-infected and HIV-exposed-uninfected infants and children.

METHODS

A literature search of Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, and conference Web sites (1990-March 2011) using the search terms, infant, child, HIV, neurodevelopment, cognition, language, and antiretroviral therapy, identified 31 studies of HIV/antiretroviral exposure using standardized tools to evaluate infant/child development as the main outcome. Articles were included if results were reported in children <16 years of age who were exposed to HIV and antiretrovirals in fetal/early life, and excluded if children did not acquire HIV from their mothers or were not exposed to antiretrovirals in fetal/early life.

RESULTS

Infants who acquired HIV during fetal and early life tended to display poorer mean developmental scores than HIV-unexposed children. Mean motor and cognitive scores were consistently 1 to 2 SDs below the population mean. Mean scores improved if the infant received treatment before 12 weeks and/or a more complex antiretroviral regimen. Older HIV-infected children treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy demonstrated near normal global mean neurocognitive scores; subtle differences in language, memory, and behavior remained. HIV-exposed-uninfected children treated with antiretrovirals demonstrated subtle speech and language delay, although not universally.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with resource-rich settings, HIV-infected and HIV-exposed-uninfected infants/children in resource-poor settings demonstrated greater neurodevelopmental delay compared with HIV-unexposed infants. The effects on neurodevelopment in older HIV-infected children commenced on antiretroviral therapy from an early age and HIV-exposed-uninfected children particularly in resource-poor settings remain unclear.

Hyperlactatemia and in utero exposure to antiretrovirals: is the control group the clue?

Perinatal antiretroviral (ARV) exposure has been related to hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis in infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Our objective was to determine the incidence of these conditions during the first year of life in uninfected infants born to HIV-infected mothers and compare the data with infants born to mothers with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the relationships between hyperlactatemia and neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders by conducting a prospective, comparative cohort study (October 2004 to October 2007) consecutively including children of HIV- and HCV-infected mothers. Liver enzymes, pH, lactic acid, and plasma amino acids were determined at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months of life. Pathological hyperlactatemia was defined as lactate >2.1 mmol/liter together with alanine >475 μmol/liter. Seventy-nine patients (39 HIV-exposed patients and 40 unexposed patients) were included. Baseline maternal characteristics in the two groups were similar. Almost 90% of HIV-infected mothers received HAART during gestation, while 10.3% were given AZT monotherapy. Eight newborns received combined therapy and 31 received AZT-based monotherapy. Twelve patients (five exposed and seven nonexposed) had some neurological disorder, and four other patients (one vs. three) showed signs of neurodevelopmental delay, with no significant differences between the groups (p=0.34). Pathological hyperlactatemia was detected in 56.4% (95% CI 39.6-72.2) and 57.5% (95% CI 40.9-73.0) of patients, respectively (p=0.92), and this condition was more frequent in preterm children (p<0.05). ARV use during pregnancy and the neonatal period was not associated with pathological hyperlactatemia. The presence of hyperlactatemia was not associated with neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders. No association was established between the use of ARV agents and the development of hyperlactatemia or neurological disorders in HIV-exposed children during their first year of life.

Laboratory Abnormalities Among HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Infants: IMPAACT Protocol P1025

BACKGROUND

Infant laboratory abnormalities have been associated with exposure to antiretrovirals and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).

METHODS

We analyzed data from International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT) Protocol P1025, a prospective cohort study of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV)-infected women and their infants. Live-born, singleton, HIV-uninfected infants with at least 6 months of follow-up who represented the first pregnancy on study of HIV-infected mothers with at least 1 prenatal visit, CD4 count, and viral load during pregnancy and who used at least 1 antiretroviral during pregnancy were eligible for inclusion in this analysis.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 1524 infants. During the first 6 months of life, 7.4% of laboratory serious adverse events (SAEs) were related to glucose, 7.2% were related to hemoglobin, 8.7% were related to absolute neutrophil count, and 4.0% were related to total lymphocyte count. The likelihood of laboratory SAEs decreased with increasing age for hemoglobin, absolute neutrophil count, and glucose. Infant preterm birth and current receipt of antiretroviral(s) were the factors with the strongest associations with laboratory SAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall frequency of laboratory SAEs was low and decreased with age. Preterm infants are at higher risk of hemoglobin- and total lymphocyte count-related SAEs.

Point-of-care capillary blood lactate measurements in human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected children with in utero exposure to human immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral medications

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of elevated point-of-care (POC) capillary blood lactate concentrations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed, uninfected children (HEU) and to determine if POC lactate varies with in utero antiretroviral (ARV) exposure.

METHODS

The Surveillance Monitoring for Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicities protocol of the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study enrolled 1934 children between 2007 and 2009, 0 to 12 years of age, born to HIV-infected mothers. POC lactate was measured annually on capillary blood using the Lactate Pro device. Associations of POC lactate with in utero ARV exposure and other characteristics were evaluated using logistic regression models, adjusting for maternal characteristics and other confounders.

RESULTS

Of 1641 children with POC measurements (median age, 3.0 years), 3.4% had POC lactate >3 mmol/L. Median POC lactate level decreased with age (1.9 mmol/L, 1.7 mmol/L, and 1.6 mmol/L for children 0-<6 months [99% ≤6 weeks of life], 6-<24 months, and ≥24 months of age, respectively; P < 0.001). Prevalence of elevated POC lactate did not differ by in utero ARV exposure drug class, but was significantly higher in children exposed in utero to emtricitabine or efavirenz, cocaine or opiates, and those of white race.

CONCLUSIONS

POC lactate testing is a useful rapid laboratory screening assay for HEU children with ARV exposure. ARV use during pregnancy has resulted in a dramatic decrease in mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and the risk of elevated lactate in HEU children is low. However, as new ARVs and more complex regimens are used during pregnancy by HIV-infected women, continued monitoring for infant toxicities is essential.

Longitudinal anthropometric assessment of infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers, Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth parameters in infants who were born to HIV-1-infected mothers. METHODS: The study was a longitudinal evaluation of the z-scores for the weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ) and length-for-age (LAZ) data collected from a cohort. A total of 97 non-infected and 33 HIV-infected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers in Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil, between 1995 and 2003 was studied. The average follow-up period for the infected and non-infected children was 15.8 months (variation: 6.8 to 18.0 months) and 14.3 months (variation: 6.3 to 18.6 months), respectively. A mixed-effects linear regression model was used and was fitted using a restricted maximum likelihood. RESULTS: There was an observed decrease over time in the WAZ, LAZ and WLZ among the infected infants. At six months of age, the mean differences in the WAZ, LAZ and WLZ between the HIV-infected and non-infected infants were 1.02, 0.59, and 0.63 standard deviations, respectively. At 12 months, the mean differences in the WAZ, LAZ and WLZ between the HIV-infected and non-infected infants were 1.15, 1.01, and 0.87 standard deviations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The precocious and increasing deterioration of the HIV-infected infants' anthropometric indicators demonstrates the importance of the early identification of HIV-infected infants who are at nutritional risk and the importance of the continuous assessment of nutritional interventions for these infants.

Antiretrovirals for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral drugs reduce viral replication and can reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV either by lowering plasma viral load in pregnant women or through post-exposure prophylaxis in their newborns. In rich countries, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) which usually comprises three drugs, has reduced the mother-to-child transmission rates to around 1-2%, but HAART is not always available in low- and middle-income countries. In these countries, various simpler and less costly antiretroviral regimens have been offered to pregnant women or to their newborn babies, or to both.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether, and to what extent, antiretroviral regimens aimed at decreasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection achieve a clinically useful decrease in transmission risk, and what effect these interventions have on maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We sought to identify all relevant studies regardless of language or publication status by searching the Cochrane HIV/AIDS Review Group Trials Register, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and AIDSearch and relevant conference abstracts. We also contacted research organizations and experts in the field for unpublished and ongoing studies. The original review search strategy was conducted in 2002 and updated in 2006 and again in 2009.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of any antiretroviral regimen aimed at decreasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection compared with placebo or no treatment, or compared with another antiretroviral regimen.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected relevant studies, extracted data and assessed trial quality. For the primary outcomes, we used survival analysis to estimate the probability of infants being infected with HIV (the observed proportion) at various specific time-points and calculated efficacy at a specific time as the relative reduction in the proportion infected. Efficacy, at a specific time, is defined as the preventive fraction in the exposed group compared to the reference group, which is the relative reduction in the proportion infected: 1-(Re/Rf). For those studies where efficacy and hence confidence intervals were not calculated, we calculated the approximate confidence intervals for the efficacy using recommended methods. For analysis of results that are not based on survival analyses we present the relative risk for each trial outcome based on the number randomised. No meta-analysis was conducted as no trial assessed identical drug regimens.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-five trials including 18,901 participants with a median trial sample size of 627 ranging from 50 to 1,844 participants were included in this update. Twenty-two trials randomised mothers (18 pre-natally and four in labour) and followed up their infants, and three trials randomised infants. The first trial began in April 1991 and assessed zidovudine (ZDV) versus placebo and since then, the type, dosage and duration of drugs to be compared has been modified in each subsequent trial. We present the results stratified by regimen and type of feeding.Antiretrovirals versus placebo In breastfeeding populations, three trials found that:ZDV given to mothers from 36 to 38 weeks gestation, during labour and for 7 days after delivery significantly reduced HIV infection at 4-8 weeks (Efficacy 32.00%; 95% CI 1.50 to 62.50), 3 to 4 months (Efficacy 33.07%; 95% CI 5.57 to 60.57), 6 months (Efficacy 34.55%; 95% CI 9.05 to 60.05), 12 months (Efficacy 34.31%; 95% CI 9.30 to 59.32) and 18 months (Efficacy 29.74%; 95% CI 2.73 to 56.75).ZDV given to mothers from 36 weeks gestation and during labour significantly reduced HIV infection at 4 to 8 weeks (Efficacy 43.78%; 95% CI 8.78 to 78.78) and 3 to 4 months (Efficacy 36.95%; 95% CI 2.94 to 70.96) but not at birth.ZDV plus lamivudine (3TC) given to mothers from 36 weeks gestation, during labour and for 7 days after delivery and to babies for the first 7 days after birth (PETRA 'regimen A') significantly reduced HIV infection (Efficacy 62.75%; 95% CI 40.76 to 84.74) and a combined endpoint of HIV infection or death (Efficacy 62.75 [, ]61.00%; 95% CI 40.76 to 84.74) at 4 to 8 weeks but these effects were not sustained at 18 months.ZDV plus 3TC given to mothers from the start of labour until 7 days after delivery and to babies for the first 7 days after birth (PETRA 'regimen B') significantly reduced HIV infection (Efficacy 41.83%; 95% CI 12.82 to 70.84) and HIV infection or death at 4 to 8 weeks (Efficacy 35.91%; 95% CI 8.41 to 63.41) but the effects were not sustained at 18 months.ZDV plus 3TC given to mothers during labour only (PETRA 'regimen C') with no treatment to babies did not reduce the risk of HIV infection at either 4 to 8 weeks or 18 months.In non-breastfeeding populations, three trials found that:ZDV given to mothers from 14 to 34 weeks gestation and during labour and to babies for the first 6 weeks after birth significantly reduced HIV infection in babies at 18 months (Efficacy 66.22%; 95% CI 33.94 to 98.50).ZDV given to mothers from 36 weeks gestation and during labour with no treatment to babies ('Thai-CDC regimen') significantly reduced HIV infection at 4 to 8 weeks (Efficacy 50.26%; 95% CI 13.80 to 86.72) but not at birthZDV given to mothers from 38 weeks gestation and during labour with no treatment to babies did not influence HIV transmission at 6 months.Longer versus shorter regimens using the same antiretrovirals One trial in a breastfeeding population found that:ZDV given to mothers during labour and to their babies for the first 3 days after birth compared with ZDV given to mothers from 36 weeks and during labour (similar to 'Thai-CDC') resulted in HIV infection rates that were not significantly different at birth, 4-8 weeks, 3 to 4 months, 6 months and 12 months.Three trials in non-breastfeeding populations found that:ZDV given to mothers from 28 weeks gestation during labour and to infants for the first 3 days after birth compared with ZDV given to mothers from 35 weeks gestation through labour and to infants from birth to 6 weeks significantly reduced HIV infection rate at 6 months (Efficacy 45.35 %; 95% CI 1.39 to 89.31) but compared with the same regimen ZDV given to mothers from 28 weeks gestation through labour and to infants from birth to 6 weeks did not result in a statistically significant difference in HIV infection at 6 months. ZDV given to mothers from 35 weeks gestation during labour and to infants for the first 3 days after birth was considered ineffective for reducing transmission rates and this regimen was discontinued.An antenatal/intrapartum course of ZDV used for a median of 76 days compared with an antenatal/intrapartum ZDV regimen used for a median 28 days with no treatment to babies in either group did not result in HIV infection rates that were significantly different at birth and at 3 to 4 months.In a programme where mothers were routinely receiving ZDV in the third trimester of pregnancy and babies were receiving one week of ZDV therapy, a single dose of nevirapine (NVP) given to mothers in labour and to their babies soon after birth compared with a single dose of NVP given to mothers only resulted in HIV infection rates that were not significantly different at birth and 6 months. However the reduction in risk of HIV infection or death at 6 months was marginally significant (Efficacy 45.00%; 95% CI -4.00 to 94.00).Antiretroviral regimens using different drugs and durations of treatmentIn breastfeeding populations, three trials found that:A single dose of NVP given to mothers at the onset of labour plus a single dose of NVP given to their babies immediately after birth ('HIVNET 012 regimen') compared with ZDV given to mothers during labour and to their babies for a week after birth resulted in lower HIV infection rates at 4-8 weeks (Efficacy 41.00%; 95% CI 11.84 to 70.16), 3-4 months (Efficacy 38.91%; 95% CI 11.24 to 66.58), 12 months (Efficacy 35.98 [9.25, 62.71]36.00%; 95% CI 8.56 to 63.44) and 18 months (Efficacy 39.15%; 95% CI 13.81 to 64.49). In addition, the NVP regimen significantly reduced the risk of HIV infection or death at 4-8 weeks (Efficacy 41.74%; 95% CI 14.30 to 69.18), 3 to 4 months (Efficacy 40.00%; 95% CI 14.34 to 65.66), 12 months (Efficacy 32.17%; 95% CI 8.51 to 55.83) and 18 months (Efficacy 32.57 [9.93, 55.21]33.00%; 95% CI 9.93 to 55.21).The 'HIVNET 012 regimen' plus ZDV given to babies for 1 week after birth compared with the 'HIVNET 012 regimen' alone did not result in a statistically significant difference in HIV infection at 4 to 8 weeks.A single dose of NVP given to babies immediately after birth plus ZDV given to babies for 1 week after birth compared with a single dose of NVP given to babies only significantly reduced the HIV infection rate at 4 to 8 weeks (Efficacy 36.79%; 95% CI 3.57 to 70.01).Five trials in non-breastfeeding populations found that:In a population in which mothers were receiving 'standard' antiretroviral for HIV infection a single dose of NVP given to mothers in labour plus a single dose of NVP given to babies immediately after birth ('HIVNET 012 regimen') compared with placebo did not result in a statistically significant difference in HIV infection rates at birth and at 4 to 8 weeks.The 'Thai CDC regimen' compared with the 'HIVNET 012 regimen' did not result in a significant difference in HIV infection at 4 to 8 weeks.A single dose of NVP given to babies immediately after birth compared to ZDV given to babies for the first 6 weeks after birth did not result in a significant difference in HIV infection rates at 4-8 weeks and 3 to 4 months. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Cardiac effects of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-negative infants born to HIV-positive mothers: NHLBI CHAART-1 (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Cardiovascular Status of HAART Therapy in HIV-Exposed Infants and Children cohort study)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in utero on cardiac development and function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative children.

BACKGROUND

ART reduces vertical HIV transmission. Long-term cardiotoxicity after in utero exposure to ART is unknown in children but has occurred in young animals.

METHODS

Using a prospective multisite cohort study design, echocardiograms taken between birth and 24 months were compared in 2 groups of HIV-negative infants of HIV-positive mothers: 136 infants exposed to ART (ART+) and 216 unexposed infants (ART-).

RESULTS

Mean left ventricular (LV) mass z-scores were consistently lower in ART+ girls than in ART- girls: differences in mean z-scores were -0.46 at birth (p = 0.005), -1.02 at 6 months (p < 0.001), -0.74 at 12 months (p < 0.001), and -0.79 at 24 months (p < 0.001). Corresponding differences in z-scores for boys were smaller: 0.13 at 1 month (p = 0.42), -0.44 at 6 months (p = 0.01), -0.15 at 12 months (p = 0.37), and -0.21 at 24 months (p = 0.21). Septal wall thickness and LV dimension were smaller than expected in ART+ infants, but LV contractility was consistently about 1 SD higher at all ages (p < 0.001). In ART+ infants, LV fractional shortening was higher than in ART- infants; girls showed a greater difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal exposure to ART is associated with reduced LV mass, LV dimension, and septal wall thickness z-scores and increased LV fractional shortening and contractility up to age 2 years. These effects are more pronounced in girls than in boys. Fetal ART exposure may impair myocardial growth while improving depressed LV function.

Birth defects among a cohort of infants born to HIV-infected women on antiretroviral medication

OBJECTIVE

To determine rate of and risk factors for birth defects in infants born to HIV-infected women receiving nucleoside and protease inhibitor antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.

METHODS

Birth defects were evaluated among infants on the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group 316 trial that studied addition of peripartum nevirapine to established ARV regimen for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Maternal therapy was categorized by trimester of earliest exposure. Birth defects were coded using conventions of the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry.

RESULTS

Birth defects were detected in 60/1414 (4.2%; 95% CI 3.3-5.4%) infants including 30/636 (4.7%; 95% CI 3.2-6.7%) with first trimester ARV exposure and 30/778 (3.9%; 95% CI 2.6-5.5%) with exposure only after the first trimester (P=0.51). Rates of classes of defects were similar between first trimester compared to later exposure groups except heart defects which occurred in 16 (2.5%; 95% CI 1.4-4.1%) with first trimester ARV exposure and in six (0.8%; 95% CI 0.3-1.7%) infants with later exposure (P=0.02). Exposure to ARV was not associated with specific types of heart defects. Two cases of cardiomyopathy were noted.

CONCLUSION

ARV use in early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of birth defects overall. The possible association of ARV exposure with heart defects requires further surveillance.

Antiretroviral pharmacology: special issues regarding pregnant women and neonates

Antiretrovirals may be used in pregnant women infected with the HIV and their newborns both for treatment of maternal HIV disease and for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. More than 25 antiretroviral agents in 5 classes have been approved, with new drugs and classes in development. This article reviews current knowledge of the pharmacology of these drugs during pregnancy and in the newborn period, highlighting those pharmacologic issues critical to the safe and effective use of antiretrovirals in these populations.

Lamivudine in late pregnancy to interrupt in utero transmission of hepatitis B virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate efficacy of lamivudine in reducing in utero transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV).

DATA SOURCES

A database was constructed from Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, National Science Digital Library, China Biological Medicine Database, and through contact with experts in the field from January 1990 to October 2009.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We used the Jadad score and Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

We abstracted data regarding HBV intrauterine infection, mother-to-child transmission, maternal HBV DNA level, treatment methods, and adverse effects. All newborns followed joint immune prophylaxis schedule of hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin after delivery. The Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model was employed for all analyses using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. Compared with the no-treatment group or placebo group, newborns in the lamivudine group had a 10.7–23.7% lower incidence of intrauterine infection, indicated by newborn hepatitis B surface antigen (0.38,0.15–0.94, six randomized controlled trials [RCTs], P5.04) and HBV DNA (0.22, 0.12–0.40, four RCTs, P,.001) seropositivity, and a 12.7–33.2% lower mother-to child transmission rate at 9–12 months, indicated by infant hepatitis B surface antigen (0.31, 0.15–0.63, five RCTs, P,.01) and HBV DNA (0.20, 0.10–0.39, two RCTs,P,.001) seropositivity [corrected].No significant higher adverse effects or complications in pregnancy were observed.

CONCLUSION

Lamivudine in HBV carrier-mothers with high degree of infectiousness in late pregnancy effectively prevented HBV intrauterine infection and mother-to-child transmission.

Progressive mitochondrial compromise in brains and livers of primates exposed in utero to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Mitochondrial compromise has been documented in infants born to women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) who received nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) therapy during pregnancy. To model these human exposures, we examined mitochondrial integrity at birth and 1 year in brain cortex and liver from offspring of retroviral-free Erythrocebus patas dams-administered human-equivalent NRTI doses for the last half (10 weeks) of gestation. Additional infants, followed for 1 year, were given the same drugs as their mothers for the first 6 weeks of life. Exposures included: no drug, Zidovudine (AZT), Lamivudine (3TC), AZT/3TC, AZT/Didanosine (ddI), and Stavudine (d4T)/3TC. In brain and liver, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzyme activities (complexes I, II, and IV) showed minimal differences between unexposed and NRTI-exposed offspring at both times. Brain and liver mitochondria from most NRTI-exposed patas, both at birth and 1 year of age, contained significant (p < 0.05) morphological damage observed by electron microscopy (EM), based on scoring of coded photomicrographs. Brain and liver mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in NRTI-exposed patas were depleted significantly in the 3TC and d4T/3TC groups at birth and were depleted significantly (p < 0.05) at 1 year in all NRTI-exposed groups. In 1-year-old infants exposed in utero to NRTIs, mtDNA depletion was 28.8-51.8% in brain and 37.4-56.5% in liver. These investigations suggest that some NRTI-exposed human infants may sustain similar mitochondrial compromise in brain and liver and should be followed long term for cognitive integrity and liver function.

Effects of gender on the health and development of medically at-risk infants

OBJECTIVES

To examine gender-differentiated health and cognitive/motor/language developmental outcomes among medically at-risk infants.

DESIGN

Longitudinal descriptive and comparative secondary analysis.

SETTING

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, intermediate care unit, and infectious disease clinic of tertiary medical centers in the southeast and east United States.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eight (108) premature infants, 67 medically fragile infants, and 83 infants seropositive for HIV.

METHODS

Neonatal and later health variables were obtained from the medical record to determine the technology dependence scores and frequency of common health problems. Data for physical growth and cognitive/motor/language development were obtained through the physical measurement, including the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Second Edition, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, the Toll Control Developmental Checklist, and the Preschool Language Scale-3 during home visits between 6 and 27 months corrected ages.

RESULTS

Fewer effects on health and developmental outcomes related to gender were observed with medically fragile infants than the other two groups of infants. The cognitive/motor/language scores were decreased with increasing age of the infants in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Male gender can be considered a significant biological risk factor for infants' cognitive and motor development, especially for premature infants. Because of their increased risk, it is recommended that male infants who are born prematurely or seropositive for HIV have early and advanced developmental screening tests by trained personnel through periodic pediatric clinic.

Neurodevelopment and in utero antiretroviral exposure of HIV-exposed uninfected infants

OBJECTIVE

Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs are routinely provided to HIV-infected pregnant women to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission. Although ARV use has significantly reduced mother-to-child transmission to <2% in the United States, it remains crucial to monitor uninfected infants and children for adverse consequences of in utero ARV exposure.

METHODS

We studied neurodevelopmental function in HIV-exposed uninfected children who were enrolled in Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group 219/219C, a multisite, prospective, cohort study. Mental and motor functioning were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), first and second editions. ARV exposure information was collected during pregnancy or within the first years of life. Linear regression methods were used to evaluate the association of in utero ARV exposure on Mental Developmental Index and Psychomotor Developmental Index at 2 years of age, controlling for demographic factors (age, gender, and race/ethnicity) and potential confounders: test version, primary language, primary caregiver, caregiver education level, low birth weight, geographic and urban/rural location, birth year, and maternal illicit drug use.

RESULTS

Among 1840 infants who were born between 1993 and 2006, 1694 (92%) were exposed to ARV in utero and 146 (8%) were not exposed. After controlling for confounders, children who were exposed in utero to any ARV did not have lower Mental Developmental Index and Psychomotor Developmental Index scores than unexposed children. Among low birth weight infants, significantly higher BSID scores were observed for prenatally ARV-exposed than unexposed children. Maternal illicit drug use was reported for 17% of mothers but was not associated with BSID scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental and motor functioning scores were not lower for infants with in utero ARV exposure compared with no exposure. Although these results are reassuring, continued evaluation of uninfected children with in utero ARV exposure for long-term adverse outcomes is important.

Antiretroviral exposure and lymphocyte mtDNA content among uninfected infants of HIV-1-infected women

OBJECTIVE

Concern for potential adverse effects of antiretroviral (ARV) chemotherapy used to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission has led the US Public Health Service to recommend long-term follow-up of ARV-exposed children. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor ARV agents can inhibit DNA polymerase gamma, impairing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis and resulting in depletion or dysfunction.

METHODS

We measured the mtDNA content of stored peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 411 healthy children who were born to HIV-uninfected women and 213 uninfected infants who were born to HIV-infected women with or without in utero and neonatal ARV exposure. Cryopreserved PBMC mtDNA was quantified by using the Primagen Retina Mitox assay.

RESULTS

Geometric mean PBMC mtDNA levels were lower at birth in infants who were born to HIV-infected women. Among HIV-exposed children, mtDNA levels were lowest in those who were not exposed to ARVs, higher in those with exposure to zidovudine alone, and higher still in those with combination nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor exposure. A similar pattern was observed in the corresponding women. Levels of mtDNA increased during the first 5 years of life in all HIV-exposed children but achieved normal levels only in those with ARV exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of mtDNA are lower than normal in HIV-exposed children. Contrary to expectation, PBMC mtDNA levels are significantly higher in ARV-exposed, HIV-uninfected infants and their infected mothers compared with ARV-unexposed infants and women. By 5 years, levels of PBMC mtDNA rise to normal concentrations in ARV-exposed children but remain depressed in ARV-unexposed children.

Pathology in children of HIV women

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of perinatal pathology in children exposed to antiretrovirals in perinatal period.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

METHODS

Retrospective observational cohort study. Data collected among uninfected children born to HIV-infected women followed up from 1994 to 2006 in a tertiary Hospital. 220 uninfected children were studied. Factors studied included maternal, obstetrical and pediatric variables.

RESULTS

The most common disorder found among children exposed to antiretroviral drugs was anemia (84%); 6,4% of children had neutropenia and more than 24% had thrombocytosis, a finding never described before. Prematurity (24%) and low birth weight (23.6%) rates were high. Several congenital malformations were found: Poland syndrome, angiomas, hypospadias, Pierre-Robin sequence, trisomy 8, craniostosis and others. Long-term follow-up revealed neurological, cardiological and ophthalmological pathologies.

CONCLUSION

Some pathologies are frequent among children exposed to antiretroviral agents during perinatal life. It is crucial to carry out long-term studies to assess the safety of this therapy.