Placental passage of azathiothymidine (AZT) during the second trimester of pregnancy: study by direct fetal blood sampling under ultrasound

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991 Jul 25;40(3):229-31. doi: 10.1016/0028-2243(91)90122-2.

Abstract

AZT-therapy during pregnancy is actually contraindicated. Two HIV-positive pregnant women who were due to have an induced abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy, were treated with AZT. Blood samples from mothers and fetuses and amniotic fluid samples were taken simultaneously. AZT crossed the placental barrier in the two patients. AZT and GAZT concentrations from the two fetuses were close to those obtained in the two women and in six non-pregnant volunteers.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange*
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / metabolism
  • Zidovudine / blood
  • Zidovudine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Zidovudine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Zidovudine