A Prospective, Observational Study of HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Their Infants at Clinical Sites in Latin American and Caribbean Countries

By the end of 1999, it was estimated that 1.2 million children were living with HIV infection. During 1999 alone, 600,000 children were newly infected with HIV, mostly in less-developed countries. Most HIV-infected children are infected by transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, at birth, or through breast milk. Antiretroviral medications, cesarean section before rupture of membranes, and avoidance of breastfeeding are ways to reduce the risk of transmission. This study will determine mother-to-child transmission rates and the effects on infants of exposure to antiretroviral medications and mode of delivery. Approximately 180 to 240 HIV-infected pregnant women in Mexico and Argentina will be enrolled during the first year of this 5-year study. HIV-infected women will be evaluated during pregnancy, during delivery, and 6 months after delivery. At each visit, a history will be taken and physical examination given; blood will be collected for laboratory tests. HIV-exposed infants will be evaluated through 6 months of age. At each of 2 visits, a history will be taken and physical examination given; blood will be collected for laboratory tests; and growth will be assessed.