Exposure to atazanavir-containing HIV treatments during pregnancy may adversely affect language and social-emotional development of infants.
Should We Offer Antiretroviral Therapy Soon After HIV Diagnosis?
Results of a few important studies produce strong evidence to improve treatment outcomes for PLHIV as well as to protect them from co-infections like TB.
Results of a few important studies produce strong evidence to improve treatment outcomes for PLHIV as well as to protect them from co-infections like TB.
‘The antiretroviral drug atazanavir used to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy may have significant effects on infant development.
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Children were assessed for infant development using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition, or "Bayley III." The results showed lower language development scores for infants whose mothers received atazanavir during the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. The social-emotional development was also less for these infants, but there was much difference only in children of mothers who initiated the treatment during the second or third trimester—but not the first trimester.
“Language score was about three points lower in the atazanavir group, compared to an average subscale score of 93; while social-emotional score was five points lower, compared to an average of 100. These differences may not have large clinical implications, but they add another risk to the constellation of existing biological and socio-environmental risk factors to which these children are often exposed," according to Dr.Caniglia and coauthors.
Regular Antiretroviral Therapy Reduces HIV in the Female Reproductive Tract
For the first time, investigators have determined how ART affects the way HIV disseminates and establishes infection in the female reproductive tract.
For the first time, investigators have determined how ART affects the way HIV disseminates and establishes infection in the female reproductive tract.
Source-Medindia
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Knowing how an infant reacts to antiretroviral therapy (ART) could help determine how to design curative strategies to treat them.
Knowing how an infant reacts to antiretroviral therapy (ART) could help determine how to design curative strategies to treat them.
HIV/AIDS Drugs Disrupt Insulation of Neurons Resulting in Cognitive Impairment
Antiretroviral medications disrupt the function of brain cells that manufacture myelin, that serves to insulate neurons, helping them transmit signals.
Antiretroviral medications disrupt the function of brain cells that manufacture myelin, that serves to insulate neurons, helping them transmit signals.
