Using linked HIV observational patient level databases to examine risk for and outcome of maternal HIV infection

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In the UK today only ~1% of diagnosed HIV-positive pregnant women pass on HIV to their babies, mainly thanks to the use of "drug cocktails" of anti-HIV drugs. Research is needed to improve our management of HIV-positive pregnant women, particularly as the population of HIV-positive pregnant women is changing, as well as the types of drugs used. Despite their beneficial effects, concerns remain about the safety of taking anti-HIV drugs in pregnancy, for example there appears to be an increased chance of giving birth prematurely. Some anti-HIV drugs cause cancer in animals, but long-term health consequences for HIV-negative children exposed to anti-HIV drugs before birth are uncertain. We plan to investigate these issues in management and safety by analysing data from the UK and Ireland National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood, which collects information on all diagnosed HIV-positive pregnant women and their babies. To investigate possible long-term adverse consequences of exposure to anti-HIV drugs before birth, we plan to develop our linkage of Study data with other sources of health information. The project results will be important for HIV-positive women, their doctors and health care planners and should help improve management of HIV-positive pregnant women and their children.