[Vertical transmission of HIV in Denmark]

Abstract

Introduction: Vertical transmission of HIV can be reduced if the pregnant woman and new born child receive antiretroviral treatment. Delivery by caesarean section and avoidance of breast feeding further reduce vertical transmission. The aim of this study was to describe the treatment of HIV-positive pregnant women in Denmark and the risk of vertical transmission.

Material and methods: We retrospectively describe the risk of vertical transmission of HIV among HIV-positive women giving birth in Denmark during the period, mid-1994 to February 2000.

Results: Fifty children were born. One mother gave birth twice during the study period, and one had twins. Five (10%) children were infected. All five were born by vaginal delivery. Three of the five mothers and three of the children did not receive antiretroviral treatment. The remaining two mothers were only given intrapartum treatment. In none of the five mothers was the HIV-infection known until the time of delivery or later. Transmission of HIV did not occur in the 34 mother-child pairs who received antepartum and intrapartum antiretroviral treatment, who had a caesarean delivery, who did not breast-feed, and whose children were given postpartum antiretroviral treatment.

Discussion: It is important to identify HIV-infection in pregnant women in order to provide the relevant treatment and prevent vertical transmission of HIV.