ntiretroviral regimens used forthe prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) have evolved from the first successful trial that used zidovudine single-drug prophylaxis in 1994 to current triple-drug regimens.1,2
Although there are clear benefits of combination
antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the mother and
infant, these do not come without risks; some
studies have shown higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes with maternal ART than with
regimens containing fewer antiretroviral agents.3-5
The Promoting Maternal and Infant Survival
Everywhere (PROMISE) trial compared the relative
efficacy and safety of various proven antiretroviral strategies for the prevention of mother-tochild transmission during pregnancy among
asymptomatic HIV-infected pregnant women with
high CD4 counts. Results evaluating early transmission through the week 1 postpartum trial
visit (in utero, intrapartum, or very early breastfeeding transmission) are presented