Counseling for the prevention of HIV infections in pediatric situations
Leroy, J.; Amsallem, D.; Estavoyer, J.M.; Debieuvre, D.; Bertrand, A.M.; Destuynder, R.; Noir, A.
Annales de Pediatrie 38(8): 563-567
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0066-2097 PMID: 1746855 Document Number: 376256
Health care professionals who are not adequately informed may have irrational attitudes when caring for HIV-infected pediatric patients. Prevention of contamination rests on thorough knowledge of high-risk pediatric groups and of potentially contaminating situations. In the delivery room and in intensive care settings, a broad set of measures for preventing contamination by blood is needed, whereas in maternity wards preventive steps are needed only during cord stump care. In pediatric departments, care should be taken to avoid injuries with sharp, blood-soiled instruments and to cover all skin lesions. HIV-infected children should be allowed to participate in group activities if they are healthy enough to do so. If an injury should occur, management includes immediate disinfection, reporting, and serial serologic testing, as well as early AZT therapy.