Postexposure prophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus infection after sexual assault

Uptake to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in Haiti: opportunities to align sexual violence, HIV PEP and mental health

Sexual violence is a public health problem in Haiti, potentially augmenting HIV transmission. Reports from L'Hôpital de l'Université d'État d'Haiti (HUEH) suggest severe underutilization of antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis (ARV-PEP) among rape survivors. Cross-sectional design using mixed methods. Informational interviews were conducted with HUEH personnel to learn about post-rape service offerings. HUEH surveillance data were used to estimate the sexual assault reporting rate/100,000 and to examine the proportion of survivors receiving ARV-PEP within 72 hr, stratified by age (<18 years, ≥18 years). Informational interviews revealed that survivors were navigated through two hospital algorithms to receive post-rape care; however, <5% of victims sought mental health services. Surveillance data show that 2193 sexual assault survivors (adult and pediatric) reported a rape to HUEH personnel between 2004 through first quarter of 2010. Annual estimates suggest a twofold increase comparing cases in 2004 versus 2009. Between 2008 and 2009, uptake to ARV-PEP within 72 hr was lower for pediatric (38.4%; N = 131/341) compared with adult survivors (60.1%; N = 83/138) (χ(2)  = 18.8, P < 0.001). The prioritization of funding and comprehensive interventions that align sexual violence, HIV, and mental health is crucial to support the timely uptake to ARV-PEP.

Use of antiretroviral HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in sexually abused children and adolescents treated in an inner-city pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND

In 2002, Georgia had the United States' eighth highest number of persons living with AIDS. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission as a result of sexual abuse is uncommon but definitely occurs. In certain circumstances of sexual abuse, antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis (ARV-PEP) has been suggested as a means to decrease the risk of HIV infection. Our objective was to assess the utilization of ARV-PEP in patients being evaluated for sexual abuse at a pediatric emergency department in a city with high HIV prevalence.

METHODS

A retrospective survey of the characteristics of sexual abuse victims was conducted using information abstracted from sexual abuse report forms of minors examined in 2002 at an inner-city Atlanta children's hospital.

RESULTS

Of 227 victims, aged 9 months to 18 years, most were Black, inner-city residents; 190 (84%) patients were female. Only 87 of 227 (38.3%) were seen within 72 h of the abuse, the time frame for offering ARV-PEP. Twenty-three of the 87 had anogenital trauma or bleeding. Five (5.7%), were provided ARV-PEP, whereas 60 (69%) received antibiotic prophylaxis for non-HIV diseases. Those assaulted by strangers were greater than 10 times more likely to be provided ARV-PEP than others (p=.02). Assailants of the 82 victims who did not receive ARV-PEP included 22 strangers and 60 "acquaintances" of unknown serostatus.

CONCLUSIONS

For a high HIV prevalence area, the proportion of sexual abuse victims prescribed ARV-PEP was small in relation to those at risk of HIV sexual exposure. Clinicians should be provided guidance on interpretation of community HIV and sexual abuse victim data to assess the appropriateness of ARV-PEP.

Postexposure prophylaxis: an intervention to prevent human immunodeficiency virus infection in adolescents

Postexposure prophylaxis is an effective intervention to prevent transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Administration of antiretroviral medications within 72 hours of a percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure to HIV can prevent infection. The use of postexposure prophylaxis for occupational and perinatal HIV exposures is well established. Its efficacy for nonoccupational exposures has only recently been studied. To date in the United States, there are no national guidelines regarding postexposure prophylaxis for nonoccupational exposures. Decisions regarding its use should be made after weighing the risks of seroconversion for a given exposure, the risks of HIV in the source, and the potential toxicities of the antiretroviral medications. Several state guidelines may also serve as important resources. Clinicians should consider initiating postexposure prophylaxis in adolescents for any oral, anal, or vaginal exposure to definitely or possibly HIV-infected blood or body fluids. Adolescents treated should be followed closely for medication toxicity, acute seroconversion, and risk-reduction counseling. Further studies are needed to characterize the use and efficacy of postexposure prophylaxis in an adolescent population.