[Breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers in Switzerland : are we ready to discuss ?]

Publication

[Breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers in Switzerland : are we ready to discuss ?]

Journal Paper/Review - Oct 28, 2020

Wagner Noémie, Crisinel Pierre-Alex, Kahlert Christian, Martinez de Tejada Begoña

Units

Division of Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Travel Medicine

PubMed

33112519

Citation

Wagner N, Crisinel P, Kahlert C, Martinez de Tejada B. [Breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers in Switzerland : are we ready to discuss ?]. Rev Med Suisse 2020; 16:2050-2054.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (Deutsch)

Journal

Rev Med Suisse 2020; 16

Publication Date

Oct 28, 2020

Issn Print

1660-9379

Pages

2050-2054

Brief description/objective

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is almost inexistent in Switzerland nowadays. This success has been achieved with systematic screening of HIV in pregnant women, provision of antiretroviral treatment (ART), elective cesarean-section (CS), neonatal antiretroviral prophylaxis (ARP) and avoidance of breastfeeding. Elective CS and neonatal ARP are no longer recommended when the viral load (VL) is suppressed. Recent studies have shown that the risk of HIV MTCT through breastfeeding is extremely rare if not zero when the mother is treated, has a suppressed VL and is correctly followed-up. It is time to be open to discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding with HIV-infected pregnant women and to enter in a shared decision-making process, as recommended by the new Swiss guidelines. Close monitoring is mandatory in case of breastfeeding.