Most pregnant women are concerned about taking medications, particularly in the first 3 months (trimester) of a pregnancy as this is a particularly vulnerable time for the foetus. People with chronic conditions usually need to keep taking their treatments during pregnancy and it is important that they understand how the benefits balance against the risk of doing so. In high income countries such as Canada and Australia the transmission of HIV from an HIV positive woman to child is very low (less than 1%) and this is essentially due to Anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Recent research in Canada reviewed health related information from pregnant women over a period of 17 years up until 2015 and data from 214,240 pregnancies, of which 343 were HIV positive women was looked at. [Read more…] about Reassurance for pregnant women regarding ART side effects
Reports and Studies
Women under-represented in HIV clinical trials
A recent systematic review of clinical trials of HIV antiretroviral medications showed women were less than a quarter of participants. The authors noted that this could limit the generalisability of findings as women can absorb drugs differently and respond differently to medication (side effects). [Read more…] about Women under-represented in HIV clinical trials
Survey about collecting HIV meds from chemists
Since July people living with HIV have more choices about where they can have their scripts filled. As well as public hospital pharmacies, you can now collect HIV meds from community pharmacies (chemists) and order them on-line. [Read more…] about Survey about collecting HIV meds from chemists
HIV futures 8
An Australian survey of people living with HIV
Please fill in the survey now at www.hivfutures.org.au
HIV Futures 8 is a survey about the health and wellbeing of PLHIV. The study is keen to hear from PLHIV all over Australia – men, women and trans people, heterosexual, gay and bisexual people.
HIV Futures is an important project. It provides information to help governments, clinical services and community groups plan programs and policy. [Read more…] about HIV futures 8
Important research about starting treatment
An international study in 35 countries which commenced in 2011 and involved 4685 people with HIV, reported in May that starting antiretroviral treatment soon after diagnosis protects a person’s health. The START study showed compelling evidence that the benefits of commencing antiretroviral treatment immediately at CD4 counts above 500 far outweigh the risks. The findings will affect treatment guidelines around the world concerning when to start treatment for HIV infection.
The Kirby Institute in Australia was one of the bodies co-ordinating the study. If you would like to read more about this important study you can read about it on the Kirby Institute website.
