Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ART in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. METHODS: All pregnant females who were tested and found positive for HIV from April 2015 to March 2017 were included in this study and started on TLE regimen (Tenofovir 300 mg, Lamivudine 300 mg, Efavirenz 600 mg). After delivery these newborns were given syrup Nevirapine 2 mg/kg for 6 weeks of life if mother was started on ART before 12 weeks of gestation and was continued upto 12 weeks if mother was started on ART later than 12 weeks of gestation. Infants were tested with PCR and Rapid test for HIV was done at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of life. RESULT: Out of 66 HIV-positive mothers (26 diagnosed in our institute and 40 referred patients), 53 delivered in our hospital. Out of these 53 deliveries, 3 were stillbirth, so 50 babies were registered. Out of 50 registered babies, 2 babies died in follow-up (one at the age of 12 months due to malnutrition and other at the age of 4 months due to diarrhea). Five babies were referred to nearby ART centers. So, we followed 43 babies out of which two were found to be positive for HIV (transmission rate of HIV was 4.6%). CONCLUSION: The risk of transmission of HIV from mother-to-child had declined with the use of combination ART, and the emergence of drug resistance was reduced. The ART used during pregnancy appears to be well tolerated and safe.