Profile of pregnant women under treatment for human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Background and objectives: The predominant transmission route in cases of HIV/pediatric aids continues to be vertical transmission. Since HIV infection is a chronic and controllable disease, monitoring the treatment of the mother and her child is fundamental. The objective was to verify the profile of HIV-positive pregnant women attended at a public hospital in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, andwhen it was made the diagnosis. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out with 46 pregnant women undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV during the period from January to December 2015. Data were obtained through the consultation in the Logistic Control System of Medications, in the hospital pharmacy, and in the medical records. Results: The mean age of the gestation period was 29 years old (± 5,9). Only 24% had the diagnosis outside the gestational period, and the majority (69,6%) knew to be HIV positive before the current gestation, with only 11, 6% expecting the first child. The majority of pregnant women received ART for more than 6 months of gestation (60.9%). Prenatal care was not adequately performed in 19.6%, and these pregnant women were not adequately treated. Conclusion: Since HIV is a silent infection, gestation becomes an opportune moment for the diagnosis of this infection. However, greater awareness of the importance of early prenatal care and adherence to ART is needed, in order to minimize the risk of vertical transmission of HIV.