Prophylaxis and treatment of HIV infection in pregnancy, Swedish guidelines 2024

Infect Dis (Lond). 2024 Aug;56(8):657-668. doi: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2360029. Epub 2024 May 28.

Abstract

In May 2024, the Swedish Reference Group on Antiviral Therapy updated the guidelines on management of HIV infection in pregnancy. The most important recommendations and revisions were: (i) ART during pregnancy should be started as early as possible and continue after delivery; (ii) Suppressive ART should normally not be modified; (iii) The treatment target of HIV RNA <20 copies/ml remains; (iv) Dolutegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF is the first-line drug combination also in pregnant women and women planning pregnancy; (v) There is no evidence of an increased risk of neural tube defects associated with dolutegravir; (vi) Mode of delivery for women with effective ART and HIV RNA <200 copies/ml should follow standard obstetric procedures; (vii) Caesarean section is recommended if HIV RNA ≥200 copies/ml; (viii) Scalp electrode, foetal blood sampling and/or vacuum delivery should be used on strict indications, but does not necessitate intensified infant prophylaxis; (ix) Management and mode of delivery in case of premature or full-term rupture of membranes should follow standard obstetric procedures; (x) Recommended infant antiretroviral prophylaxis has been updated; (xi) The duration of infant antiretroviral prophylaxis (gestational age ≥35 weeks and mother on effective ART and HIV RNA <200 copies/ml) has been changed from 4 to 2 weeks; (xii) Infants born to women with HIV RNA ≥200 copies/ml should receive 4 weeks of combination prophylaxis; (xiii) Fertility evaluation and assisted reproduction should be offered to women on suppressive ART according to the same principles as for other women; (xiv) Women living with HIV should still be advised against breastfeeding; (xv) Women who nevertheless opt to breastfeed should be offered intensified support and follow-up.

Keywords: HIV-1; guidelines; mother-to-child transmission; pregnancy; prophylaxis.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Emtricitabine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical* / prevention & control
  • Oxazines
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / virology
  • Pyridones / therapeutic use
  • Sweden
  • Tenofovir / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Pyridones
  • Emtricitabine
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring
  • Piperazines
  • Tenofovir
  • dolutegravir
  • Oxazines