Pediatric HIV disease, zidovudine in pregnancy, and unblinding heelstick surveys: reframing the debate on prenatal HIV testing
Article Abstract:
The use of mandated newborn heelstick surveys that are not anonymous would identify babies exposed to HIV and subsequently assist in prevention and treatment. Such surveys have been anonymous, and unblinding them would also identify infected women, which could interfere with assumed proper methods of HIV testing in women. The issue of civil liberties should not divert attention away from protecting the survival of the child. The best route may be an informed right of refusal policy that would not obstruct women's rights. A policy that facilitates voluntary testing for HIV before the birth of the child may be the optimum method of saving babies exposed to the virus.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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The case for rapid HIV testing during labor
Article Abstract:
It may be a good idea to test pregnant women in labor for HIV using rapid tests that were developed in the late 1990's. Studies have shown that giving HIV-positive pregnant women zidovudine can reduce the rate of transmission of the virus to their infants. However, the woman must be tested sometime during the pregnancy. The best time is when she comes for prenatal care, but many women do not receive prenatal care. The only time these women can be tested is during labor. If positive, they can decide whether they want the infant to receive zidovudine.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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Challenging the strategy of maternal age-based prenatal genetic counseling
Article Abstract:
The relevance of maternal age-based prenatal genetic counseling and screening tests for aneuploidy is discussed. The analysis has suggested that with advanced prenatal screening, maternal age need not be considered as a solitary indicator for offering women invasive testing for karyotype determination.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2006
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