Perinatal HIV Prevention in New

¶ … Perinatal HIV Prevention in New York City 1994-2003" is the article being recapped and discussed here and will be referred to as the article hereafter. Essentially, the article describes a ten-year study which was conducted in New York City between 1994-2003 regarding the transmission of HIV to children born to mothers with HIV. Specifically, it addresses three- arm antiretroviral interventions, timing of HIV identification, type of birth, pre-natal care, birth weight, and the use of illicit drug use by the infected mothers.

With regard to the three-arm intervention program, it was found that a significant decrease in HIV infection of the child was noted if all the opportunities for this intervention were met. The intervention that were the most successful combined zidovudine along with other antiretroviral drugs at three different stages. Though there was some decrease in the number of transmissions when one or more variables changed (but at least some intervention was accomplished), the most successful impedance to the transmission of HIV was full use of the intervention drugs at all three opportunities.

Other factors that significantly affected the transmittal rate were low birth weight, prenatal care, time of diagnoses, and illicit drug use by the mother. Children with low birth weights were more likely to contract HIV than normal birth weight babies. They were also less likely to contract HIV if the mother received prenatal care. Another significant contributor to the transmission of HIV to the baby was the use of illicit drugs by the mother, and the point at which the mother was diagnosed HIV positive. The timing turned out to be critical as it allowed for the full implementation of the three-armed intervention and therefore afforded the greatest chances of preventing the transmission of HIV to the baby from the mother.

Upon studying the statistics and reading the results of this study few statistics stand out and demand attention. First is the fact that with the early identification of HIV in the mother and the three armed intervention plan of treatment, the chances of transmitting HIV to the baby can almost be eradicated completely. Additionally, it should be noted that there was a significant statistical increase in the transmission of HIV when the mother was an illicit drug user.

Though some will believe these suggestions to be inappropriate, they are imperative if HIV is ever to be eradicated. Also, if it is possible to eliminate the transfer of HIV to a child born of an HIV positive mother, then every possible action should be required. It is the requirement which will be offensive to some. However, since this study proves, beyond a doubt, that early detection greatly reduces transmission, all pregnant women should be required to undergo testing for HIV. It is only by doing so, that the safety of the baby can be ensured through the implementation of the three-arm therapy if it turns out that the mother is indeed HIV positive.