Management and therapy of human immunodeficiency virus-infected pregnancies in maternal-fetal medicine fellowship training programs

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-1992

Journal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Volume

80

Issue

6

Abstract

Objective: To determine attitudes and practices of obstetricians in maternal-fetal medicine fellowship programs regarding the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the use of zidovudine during pregnancy. Methods: We sent a questionnaire to the directors of all 78 approved maternal-fetal medicine fellowship programs. The responses, reflecting the consensus of the staffs of each program, were obtained and tabulated. Results: Although their programs annually provide care for more than 2100 pregnant women infected with HIV, less than 25% of all maternal-fetal medicine fellowship directors reported that their patients participate in multicenter studies of HIV infection complicating pregnancy. Nearly two-thirds of the infected women are excluded from such multicenter studies. More than 70% of all program directors believe that zidovudine should be offered to symptomatic pregnant women infected with HIV; one-half question whether zidovudine poses short-term fetal risks. Nevertheless, nearly half of all HIV-infected pregnant women they manage are excluded from trials of zidovudine therapy during pregnancy. Conclusions: Many HIV-infected pregnant women who receive care in clinics of maternal-fetal medicine fellowship programs are excluded from multicenter studies. Consideration should be given to creating a national registry for this important, currently unreported, clinical resource. © 1992 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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