Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission of HIV (PPTCT): An Effort of 4 Years in a Tertiary Centre

Abstract

The aim of this study was to see the fetomaternal outcome of pregnancy in HIV positive mother. This study was conducted in the department of OBGYN Medical College Kolkata from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2007, a period of 4years since the establishment of PPTCT centre in our institution. All the pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic for consultation and those coming directly to labour room for delivery (unbooked cases) were counseled for HIV testing, informed consent was obtained and blood samples collected for HIV testing. Babies of HIV positive women delivered were followed up to 18months for testing. The no. of women detected positive were 28, 53, 69 and 98 (total 248) in the consecutive years. Therefore the seroprevalence of HIV was 0.41, 0.63, 0.67 and 0.76% in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Out of 248 women who were detected positive in the 3years, only 103 (41.53%) delivered in our institution. 32 (12.90%) underwent MTP. But unfortunately 113 (i.e. 248-(103+32)=113) were lost to follow up during antenatal care. Out of the 95 live births, only 46 babies have been tested so far out of which only one is reactive, 45 are non reactive. The main obstacle we faced was in following up the mother and the baby. To achieve a high success rate, PPTCT programmes must have well-trained, supportive staff who take great care to ensure confidentiality. They must be backed up by effective HIV testing and counseling programmes and by good quality HIV/AIDS education, which is essential to eliminate myths and misunderstandings among pregnant women, and to counter stigma and discrimination in the wider community.