National review of maternity care for women with HIV infection

Abstract

Objective: To assess adherence to the British HIV Association (BHIVA) 2001 guidelines for the management of HIV-infected pregnant women. Methods: A survey and a case note review were carried out using structured questionnaires sent to providers of adult HIV care in the UK and Ireland. Participants were women with HIV infection who delivered a live or stillborn infant between October 2002 and September 2003. The main outcome measures were the appropriate use of antiretroviral therapy, the use and timing of elective Caesarean section, and support for the avoidance of breast-feeding. Results: Of 186 centres, 100 (54%) responded with data on 501 eligible pregnancies. Conclusions: In general, practice was in accordance with the BHIVA 2001 guidelines. However, in a number of cases Caesarean sections were planned later than the recommended 38 weeks. © 2006 British HIV Association.