Diagnosis and management of children born to HIV infected mothers in Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the management of children born to HIV positive mothers in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1987 to 2003, 218 children of HIV positive mothers were admitted to the Department of Children's Infectious Diseases of the Medical University in Warsaw. Currently recommended management of newborn infants and the routine schedule of diagnostic procedures of children born to HIV positive mothers were discussed. Children, who were in the programme of HIV mother to child transmission (MTCT) prophylaxis, are followed up from birth. Their psychosomatic development is evaluated. They also follow a modified vaccination schedule. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2003 the prevention programme of vertical transmission was carried out in 107 children. The risk of vertical transmission in this group was 2%. CONCLUSIONS: Children born to HIV infected mothers need to be diagnosed, to receive antiretroviral therapy initiated at the moment of diagnosis of HIV infection and to be under specialized care.