Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus to the fetus during pregnancy
D'Ercole, C.; Cravello, L.; Sperandeo, D.; Bretelle, F.; Piechon, L.; Boubli, L.; Blanc, B.
Presse Medicale 25(3): 119-125
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 8746086 Document Number: 461491
Estimates of the rate of human immunodeficiency virus vertical transmission range from 15% to 40%, and the rate is lower in European and American studies than in African studies. There appears to be a relationship between maternal factors, mode of delivery and mother-to-child transmission. The risk factors or markers associated with increased vertical transmission are analyzed in this review. The use of zidovudine, administered to HIV-infected women during pregnancy and labour, and to the offspring for 6 weeks reduce the mother-to-infant transmission rate from 25% to 8%. Other strategies to alter transmission of HIV, including the use of combinaison of anti-retroviral drugs, immunoprophylaxis against HIV or obstetric interventions needs to be evaluated.