This is because until completion of the randomized PROMISE trial, which addresses the question of whether to continue HAART postnatally in mothers with CD4 cell counts >400 cells/μL, there is equipoise as to correct management. In those with CD4 cell counts >500 cells/μL,

who received HAART to prevent MTCT, and who are not HCV-viraemic and have no evidence of established liver disease, ARVs can be discontinued. Without additional risk factors (such as alcohol, steatosis) and assuming they are not reinfected, these women should have no further histological progression of their liver. In women with CD4 cell counts >500 cells/μL who have established liver disease (inflammation or fibrosis),

therapy should be continued. Interruption of ART in the SMART study was shown Selleckchem Rapamycin to lead to a greater risk of non-opportunistic disease-related death, particularly among those with HIV/HCV coinfection. Furthermore, ART interruption has been associated with accelerated fibrosis in patients with active hepatitis C [203] and it has been shown BMS-354825 solubility dmso that effective HIV suppression improves liver histology even in the absence of effective HCV treatment [204],[205]. 7.1.1 Fetal ultrasound imaging should be performed as per national guidelines regardless of maternal HIV status. Grading: 1D The National Screening Committee Selleck CHIR 99021 [206] and the NICE antenatal guidelines [207] recommend that ultrasound screening for fetal anomaly should be offered to all pregnant women between 18 + 0 and 20 + 6 weeks’ gestation. There is no evidence to alter this for women infected with HIV. In the past, because of a theoretical increased risk of anomaly due to first trimester ART exposure, more detailed ultrasound scanning (i.e. in a fetal medicine unit) has been considered. The evidence from prospective reports of first trimester ART exposure to the APR [49] does not support the need for increased surveillance with the most commonly

prescribed therapies (listed in Appendix 4), although with newer medication the knowledge base is inevitably limited. APR reports on the frequency and nature of birth defects and ART are updated every 6 months (http://www.apregistry.com/). 7.1.2 The combined screening test for trisomy 21 is recommended as this has the best sensitivity and specificity and will minimize the number of women who may need invasive testing. Grading: 2C Clinical Guidance 62 (CG62) [207] also recommends that all women should be offered screening for trisomy 21. The most effective screening is with the combined test at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks’ gestation. This includes maternal age, nuchal translucency, βHCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A.