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9th Annual Conference Of The British HIV Association [BHIVA]24 – 26 April 2003, University of Manchester
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[AUTHOR(S):] C Chapman and J Dhar
Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
BHIVA Conf 2003 Apr 24-26;9:O6
BACKGROUND: Since 2000, antenatal screening for HIV infection has been implemented nationally. As the new HIV diagnoses have risen by 61% during that time in our area, the aim of the study was to assess how, if any, the screening has contributed to this rise and the impact it has made on local services.
METHODS: Case notes of all newly diagnosed female HIV-positive patients were retrospectively reviewed from January 2000 to December 2002. Data were collected on: ethnicity, presumed country of HIV acquisition, reason for HIV testing, time spent in the UK, stage of disease, co-infection, gestational stage (if pregnant at time of diagnosis) and mode of delivery.
RESULTS: A total of 251 new cases were diagnosed during the study period, of which 129 (51%) were females; 31(24%) were pregnant. Antenatal screening identified infection in 15 (12%). So far, 17 (55%) have delivered by Caesarean section. Of the 129 diagnosed, 115 (89%) had acquired their HIV infection outside the UK, 109 (95%) from sub-Saharan Africa; all HIV infection was acquired heterosexually. Sixty (55%) of these women are subsequently seeking asylum. At presentation, 67 (61%) had CD4 counts <350 cells/µl and 55 (82%) are currently on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Syphilis serology was positive in seven (6%) and 5 (5%) were co-infected with hepatitis B co-infection. Details of measures taken and service networks established will be discussed.
CONCLUSIONS: Migrants dispersed to our area have contributed significantly to our cohort of HIV-positive individuals. A large number of these females are presenting with advanced disease and require HAART, either for themselves or to prevent vertical transmission. As this dispersal continues, more clinics will need to develop patient care pathways, with access to both healthcare and social-care professionals.
PRESENTING AUTHOR: J Dhar
030424
O6
Copyright © 2003 - British HIV Association (BHIVA) Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BHIVA Organising Secretariat 1 Mountview Court, 310 Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0LD