Publication

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

Journal Paper/Review - Oct 28, 2020

Units
PubMed

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.