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SCOPE

DISEASE/CONDITION(S)

Evaluation and antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis of HIV-exposed infants.

GUIDELINE OBJECTIVE(S)

Review routes of HIV transmission; evaluation of HIV-exposed infants; recommendations for infant ARV prophylaxis

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV can occur during pregnancy (intrapartum), at the time of birth (perinatal), or through breastfeeding (postpartum). The risk of MTCT of HIV can be reduced from 25–30% to <1% with maternal combination ARV therapy during pregnancy, infant ARV prophylaxis, and avoidance of breastfeeding. Risk factors for perinatal HIV transmission include high maternal viral load, low maternal CD4 count, chorioamnionitis, other sexually transmitted infections, and vaginal delivery. Most infants with HIV infection are asymptomatic at birth, but approximately 25% of these infants progress rapidly to AIDS and death. Early diagnosis and treatment reduces mortality by at least 75% among HIV-infected infants.

RECOMMENDATIONS

MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS

Strict avoidance of breastfeeding is recommended for all HIV-exposed infants in the United States. A blood HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or qualitative HIV RNA PCR should be drawn from all HIV-exposed newborns after a brief bath is performed (do not delay starting infant ARV prophylaxis). In addition, HIV DNA PCR or qualitative HIV RNA PCR should be performed at ages 2 weeks, 1–2 months, and 4 months. For very high-risk infants, virologic testing could also be considered at 6 months of age. Infants with positive virologic testing should have immediate confirmatory testing (repeat DNA PCR or qualitative HIV RNA PCR on a new blood specimen) and evaluation by a pediatric infectious diseases specialist for consideration of combination ARV therapy. The ARV regimen for infant prophylaxis is determined based on an assessment of the risk of MTCT.

PRACTICE OPTIONS

Practice Option #1

For low-risk infants born to HIV-infected mothers on combination ARV therapy with undetectable HIV viral loads during pregnancy, a 4–6-week course of zidovudine (AZT) (term infants: 4 mg/kg by mouth twice daily) is recommended (with first dose given as soon as possible after birth).

Practice Option #2

For high-risk infants born to HIV-infected mothers with a detectable viral load near delivery or who were not on combination ARV therapy prior to delivery, two-drug ARV prophylaxis is recommended. In addition to a 6-week course of AZT, three doses of nevirapine (NVP) (birth weight >2 kg: 12 mg per dose by mouth) should be given. The first dose is administered as soon as possible after birth, the second dose is given 48 hours after the first dose, and the third dose is given 96 hours after the second dose.

Practice Option #3

For very high-risk infants (e.g., mother had a high HIV viral ...

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