Evaluation and Management of the Infant Exposed to HIV in the United States

Prenatal ultrasound screening and pregnancy outcomes in HIV-positive women in Germany: results from a retrospective single-center study at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) in women living with HIV (WLWH) in a tertiary care institution. Furthermore, we aimed to assess prenatal ultrasound screening for fetal anomalies and outcomes in high-risk pregnancies due to maternal HIV infection."

METHODS

In this single-center study, retrospective data related to pregnancy and childbirth were collected from 420 WLWH. All data were evaluated descriptively.

RESULTS

From January 2014 to December 2020, a total number of 420 pregnant WLWH delivered 428 newborns. 415 (98.8%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 88.8% had a viral load of < 50 cop/ml prior delivery. 46 (11%) of the newborns were born prematurely. Low birth weight < 2500 g occurred in 38 (9.1%) of the children. 219 (52.1%) caesarean sections (CS) were performed. The most frequent indication for an elective CS was a previous CS (70.2%). 8 severe malformations were detected using first and second trimester ultrasound. In one child, MTCT was detected postpartum, resulting in an HIV transmission rate of 0.2% in the presented cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The low rate of vertical HIV-transmission in our cohort of 0.2% is the result of interdisciplinary prenatal care and high experience of healthcare providers in treatment of WLWH. Despite high ART coverage and adherence, good maternal immune system and very low vertical HIV transmission rate, maternal HIV infection remains a challenge in obstetric care. First and second ultrasound screening should be a part of prenatal care for HIV-infected women and should also be offered to HIV-negative women. A reduction of the rate of unnecessary elective caesarean deliveries in WLWH is necessary to reduce complications in subsequent pregnancies.

Breastfeeding in women with HIV infection: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators

BACKGROUND

Until recently, breastfeeding has been contraindicated for women living with HIV (WHIV) in the U.S. However, given the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, recommendations have changed to support parental choice to breastfeed through shared decision-making. Although specific guidelines for managing the care of these women and their infants are not yet available, various approaches have been successful without infants acquiring HIV from their virologically suppressed mothers, thus, establishing breastfeeding as a viable option for the rising number of interested WHIV. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to identify factors influencing infant feeding choices decisions among WHIV in a multiethnic and multicultural population.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A qualitative description design was used. WHIV who had given birth within 6 months were recruited using purposeful sampling. Data were collected using a semistructured interview guide in the participant's preferred language. Content analysis was used, and barriers and facilitators were separated and used to generate the themes and categories. In total, 20 participants were interviewed, and from these interviews, 11 barriers and 14 facilitators that influenced the decision to breastfeed were identified. Major barriers were related to the interference with daily activities, fear of transmission, lack of a standardized approach to education, and maternal concerns. Key facilitators included the benefits and advantages of breastmilk, access to more scientific research information on breastfeeding in the context of HIV, advice from a lactation consultant, emotional connection and attachment with the child, support from family and partners, empowering and supporting autonomy and decision-making about infant feeding, providing feeding choices, access to the lived experiences of women who have successfully breastfed their infants, and collaborative relationship with the physician and other healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

The study identified barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding among WHIV that may influence their infant feeding decision-making process. More research is needed to guide the standardization of institutional policies and develop strategies to support breastfeeding in this population.

Roadmap for Achieving Universal Antiretroviral Treatment

Modern antiretroviral therapy safely, potently, and durably suppresses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that, if left untreated, predictably causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which has been responsible for tens of millions of deaths globally since it was described in 1981. In one of the most extraordinary medical success stories in modern times, a combination of pioneering basic science, innovative drug development, and ambitious public health programming resulted in access to lifesaving, safe drugs, taken as an oral tablet daily, for most of the world. However, substantial challenges remain in the fields of prevention, timely access to diagnosis, and treatment, especially in pediatric and adolescent patients. As HIV-positive adults age, treating their comorbidities will require understanding the course of different chronic diseases complicated by HIV-related and antiretroviral toxicities and finding potential treatments. Finally, new long-acting antiretrovirals on the horizon promise exciting new options in both the prevention and treatment fields.

How I approach: The workup and management of patients with progressive transformation of the germinal center

Progressive transformation of the germinal center (PTGC) is a common and underrecognized cause of pediatric lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be associated with numerous systemic medical conditions that require further workup and management, including malignancy, autoimmune conditions, lymphoproliferative conditions, immunodeficiency, and infection. Given the breadth and rarity of the associated conditions, workup should be tailored to the individual patient and occur in a tiered approach. Patients with PTGC require ongoing follow-up, given their long-term risk of malignancy and recurrent PTGC.

Evaluation and Management of an Abandoned Infant at a Quaternary Care Hospital

BACKGROUND

Infants are often brought to an emergency department (ED) for medical evaluation upon surrender or abandonment. However, no specific guidelines exist for the care of surrendered or abandoned children. We describe the case of an abandoned infant who was brought to a pediatric quaternary care hospital as a model for evaluation and management.

CASE REPORT

A 3-day-old abandoned female was brought to a quaternary care pediatric hospital ED. Given limitations in history, upon physical examination and in consultation with specialists, our team completed an extensive laboratory workup to guide initial management and treatment. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Abandoned and surrendered infants frequently enter the medical system via the ED, and emergency physicians must be aware of best practices to evaluate and manage these patients. While each infant presentation is unique, commonalities exist. Our care may serve as a starting point by which others may base their own management. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.