Management of the infant born to a mother with HIV infection

Abstract

In countries with adequate resources, rates of perinatal mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV can be as low as 2% or lower. To achieve this low rate of MTCT of HIV requires identification of women with HIV infection early in pregnancy, treatment of the pregnant woman with appropriate combination antiretroviral therapy, special interventions in maternal management during labor and delivery, and appropriate care of the newborn infant. Although many of the steps in preventing HIV MTCT fall to obstetrical care providers, practitioners focused on care of the newborn also play an important role in the prevention of perinatal HIV MTCT, follow-up to identify or exclude HIV infection in the infant, and ongoing care for children and families affected by HIV.