HIV in pregnancy

HIV is a disease caused by retrovirus (HIV-1 or HIV-2) the that attacks the immune system of the body, leaving it susceptible to various dangerous infections. HIV can have profound effects on pregnancy and pregnancy may in turn cause an aggravation of signs and symptoms HIV.A pregnant woman living with HIV can pass on the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and through breastfeeding. This is called Vertical transmission of HIV. Without any intervention, the rate of vertical transmission of HIV is as much as 15-45%. National PPTCT program of India run by NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) aims at preventing HIV transmission from mother to child. Women who are known HIV positives or those who are diagnosed as HIV positive for the first-time during pregnancy, are given Triple Dose Anti Retro-viral therapy comprising of Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz. Special precautions are taken during their delivery. Whether LSCS is to be performed depends on the indications and on which guidelines are followed. Infant- feeding is advised to be carried out as per the guidelines stated in the PPTCT act so as to minimize the chances of HIV transmission to the infant

A retrospective study to analyse the rate of caesarean section according to Robson's 10 group classification in a peripheral hospital in a metropolitan city

Background: In the past several decades, a pattern of rapid increases in Caesarean section (CS) delivery rates has been observed worldwide, as also in India. It is important to identify the reason behind the rising rates of CS since they can pose unnecessary risks to the mother and the neonate. The aim of the study was to analyse the CS rate in the ten groups as per Robson’s ten group classification, in a peripheral hospital in a metropolitan city. By this study we have tried to identify specific groups of women to be targeted to reduce CS rates.Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out at a peripheral hospital in Mumbai, India. It included all women who had delivered in the hospital from January, 2019 to December, 2019. The sample size was 2603.Results: Under this study, we found out that the rate of CS delivery is higher than what is recommended by WHO in Robson’s group 2, 5 and 6.Conclusions: This study will help us carry out targeted interventions so as to reduce the CS rates in these groups