Category Archives: Biomedical interventions
Metabolic complications of in utero maternal HIV and antiretroviral exposure in HIV-exposed infants
BACKGROUND: Despite a wide body of literature supporting the use of antenatal antiretrovirals (ARV) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, there remains a need for continued monitoring as the intrauterine...
Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa: The journey so far and what remains to be done
This review was carried out to provide a comprehensive overview of efforts toward elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with respect to progress, challenges, and recommendations...
Hormonal contraception and the risk of HIV acquisition: An individual participant data meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Observational studies of a putative association between hormonal contraception (HC) and HIV acquisition have produced conflicting results. We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of studies from sub-Saharan...
Effect of rAd5-Vector HIV-1 preventive vaccines on HIV-1 acquisition: A participant-level meta-analysis of randomized trials
BACKGROUND: Three phase 2b, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized efficacy trials have tested recombinant Adenovirus serotype-5 (rAd5)-vector preventive HIV-1 vaccines: MRKAd5 HIV-1 gag/pol/nef in Step and Phambili, and DNA/rAd5 HIV-1 env/gag/pol in...
Lessons learned from a review of interventions for adolescent and young key populations in Asia Pacific and opportunities for programming
BACKGROUND: Over a third of new HIV infections globally are among 15-24 year-olds and over 20% among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Asia Pacific. The review was initiated to identify...
Introduction of rapid syphilis testing in antenatal care: A systematic review of the impact on HIV and syphilis testing uptake and coverage
BACKGROUND: Global guidelines recommend universal syphilis and HIV screening for pregnant women. Rapid syphilis testing (RST) may contribute toward achievement of universal screening. OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of RST...
The uptake of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programs in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: No systematic review of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in China has been performed. We aimed to estimate the uptake of PMTCT programs services in China. METHODS:...
Effective approaches for programming to reduce adolescent vulnerability to HIV infection, HIV risk, and HIV-related morbidity and mortality: A systematic review of systematic reviews
BACKGROUND: In 2012, an estimated 2.1 million adolescents were living with HIV. Though there are effective interventions to prevent and treat HIV infection, adolescents face specific barriers in accessing them....
Cobicistat: A new opportunity in the treatment of HIV disease?
INTRODUCTION: Cobicistat (Cobi), a selective novel CYP3A4 inhibitor, is an orally administered, non-antiretroviral pharmacokinetic enhancer which boosts the plasma levels of several drugs, including HIV-1 protease inhibitors and the integrase...
Starter packs versus full prescription of antiretroviral drugs for postexposure prophylaxis: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: The provision of starter packs for human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is practiced in many settings to facilitate rapid initiation by nonexperts and encourage adherence. However, the impact...
