Research

The authors evaluated the impact of perinatal HIV case management on outcomes along the HIV care continuum for pregnant and postpartum women in Philadelphia. They found significant benefits for both viral suppression and retention in care. Citation: Anderson EA, Momplaisir FM, Corson C, Brady…

The authors present a case series highlighting factors contributing to missed opportunities for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Despite access to high-level care and follow-up, a small proportion of HIV-infected women transmitted the virus to their infants. Citation: Scott…

In this editorial, the authors propose using systems of care and a public health approach to achieve zero cases of perinatal HIV transmission. Citation: Esber A, Cohen S, Dempsey A, Cheever LW. Using systems of care and a public health approach to achieve zero perinatal HIV transmissions…

A new publication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides new estimates of the number of perinatal HIV cases among infants born in the United States. The estimated annual number of infections decreased from 216 in 2002 to 69 in 2013. Citation: Taylor AW, Nesheim…

The article describes the case of a pregnant woman with a positive rapid antibody result and the subsequent tests performed to determine her HIV status. It provides an overview of confirmatory HIV testing and interpretation of fourth generation algorithm testing results. Citation:…

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study at a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to determine if women received a second HIV test and to compare HIV retesting with mandated syphilis retesting. They share their findings and recommendations for improving the uptake of repeat HIV testing…

The authors describe the current status of perinatal HIV exposure surveillance and reporting in the United States. They offer recommendations for improvement to sustain progress made in lowering perinatal HIV transmission rates. Citation: Brady KA, Storm DS, Naghdi A, Frederick T, Fridge…

Using published estimates for the United States, the authors calculated the number of perinatally exposed and infected infants born during 1978-2010, the number of perinatal HIV cases prevented, and the number of infants exposed to antiretroviral drugs during the prenatal and intrapartum…

Researchers from the WIHS (Women's Interagency HIV Study) analyzed reports of internalized stigma around HIV and adherence to HIV medications. For those women who reported suboptimal medication adherence, internalized stigma resulted in a perception of less social support, and more depressive…

Providers should have the discussion around HIV prevention with all sexually active female patients and should include preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as part of that discussion. Providers should also engage in shared decision-making with patients and review fertility desires and contraceptive…

Researchers retrospectively examined mother-child pairs in Philadelphia between 2005-2013 for timing of diagnosis of HIV and the relationship to engagement in prenatal care and ultimately, viral suppression. Of the 25% of the sample that was diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy, only 39% were…

Researchers in Florida sampled both behaviorally and perinatally HIV-infected women to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors around conception and risk behaviors. Although there were some minor differences between the groups, researchers determined that preconception counseling is…

Researchers in this retrospective cohort study looked at whether disclosure of a woman's HIV status to a partner or family member prior to delivery is associated with the risk of early postpartum depression. Disclosure to one or more family members was associated with a decreased risk of…

In a large scale, retrospective cohort study, researchers found an increased risk of preeclampsia in HIV-positive pregnant women compared to those that were HIV-negative. Additionally, those on ARVs during pregnancy showed a higher risk compared with those who were not on ARVs during pregnancy…

HIV-infected infants that are started on ARVs early show low levels of replication-competent provirus, an absence of HIV-specific immunity, and the capacity to generate immune responses to potential immunotherapeutic interventions according to recent research. Current studies are examining ways…

Successful HIV care involves getting tested, initiating care, remaining in care, and taking ARVs as needed. Movement through the HIV care cascade may be helped by the use of financial incentives that reward patients for completing steps in the cascade. Researchers reviewed the literature for use…

A retrospective review of HIV-positive women who delivered in Philadelphia between 2005-2013 found that women who were diagnosed HIV-positive during pregnancy were less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy and have an undetectable viral load than those diagnosed prior to pregnancy. …

The BioPlex 2200 HIV Ag-Ab assay has been approved by the FDA for use in distinguishing between HIV-1 antibodies, HIV-2 antibodies and the HIV-1 p24 antigen.This is approved for use in pregnant women and is another tool to aid in prevention of perinatal transmission.   Press Release

A presentation at this year's International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention shared data on a patient who was diagnosed HIV-positive at 4 weeks of age, started on ART at 3 months of age (with a high viral load), and achieved an undetectable viral load…

Researchers with the French Perinatal Cohort (ANRS-EPF) determined that perinatal HIV transmission rate in their population was zero for women who were on ART prior to conception, continued throughout pregnancy and had an undetectable viral load at delivery. For women who started ART prior to…

This literature review looked at the mental health variables from studies involving HIV-positive women both during pregnancy and postpartum. Globally, it was found that mental health issues, especially depression, are prevalent in HIV-positive women and can adversely affect their quality of life…

HIV-infected women are informed at/or prior to delivery that their infants will have to undergo serial testing to determine if they have contracted HIV.  This process can bring up a variety of feelings and experiences for mothers, not limited to anxiety and guilt. In a series of…

Perinatal HIV has yet to be eliminated in the United States due to a number of factors.  Researchers did a chart review to determine what factors contribute to higher rates of transmission.  As might be expected, lack of prenatal care and limited to no use of antiretroviral therapy…

The efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 prevention has been demonstrated amongst serodiscordant couples.  Researchers in this study wanted to determine that couples where the woman (whether HIV-negative or HIV-positive) used the hormonal contraceptive depot…

Researchers discuss the feasibility and limitations of very early treatment (VET) for infants perinatally infected with HIV-1, using the Mississippi child as the demonstration case.  VET is highlighted as a possibility for HIV remission for the pediatric population and while not yet…