Category Archives: Biomedical interventions
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...
Barriers to successful implementation of prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes in Malawi and Nigeria: A critical literature review study
Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV still remains a significant route of new HIV infection in children in Malawi and Nigeria, despite the introduction of Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes in both...
Non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis for HIV: A systematic review
OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. DATA SOURCES: Eleven electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2007....
A review of studies assessing the costs and consequences of interventions to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa
OBJECTIVE: To review the methods and findings of studies that assess the costs and consequences of interventions to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. METHODS:...
Vaginal disinfection during labour for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection
BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection is one of the most tragic consequences of the HIV epidemic, especially in resource-limited countries, resulting in about 650 000 new paediatric HIV...
Duration of ruptured membranes and vertical transmission of HIV-1: A meta-analysis from 15 prospective cohort studies
Objective: To test the a priori hypothesis that longer duration of ruptured membranes is associated with increased risk of vertical transmission of HIV. Design: The relationship between duration of ruptured...
Pregnancy incidence and risk factors among women participating in vaginal microbicide trials for HIV prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is contraindicated in vaginal microbicide trials for the prevention of HIV infection in women due to the unknown maternal and fetal safety of the microbicides. Women who become...
Global policy review of antiretroviral therapy eligibility criteria for treatment and prevention of HIV and tuberculosis in adults, pregnant women, and serodiscordant couples
OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the antiretroviral therapy (ART)initiation criteria from national treatment guidelines for 70 countries and determines the extent of consistency with the current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations....
