CSIM 1.31 HIV Transmission Problems and Management

Question 1

How long does a drop in the viral load take for HIV treatment, and thus when must pregnant mothers be diagnosed by in order to minimise risk of transmission to her baby?

Answer 1

3 months

Pregnant mothers must be diagnosed by the second trimester

Question 2

What considerations must be made in the case of an HIV-positive mother?

Answer 2

• Is vaginal delivery safe?

* No breastfeeding after birth

Question 3

What must be checked to assess health risk in an HIV-positive patient?

Answer 3

• Viral load
  
  • CD4 count
  • Co-infection screening

Question 4

In what scenario can HIV-positive patients not use protection without fear of passing on the virus

Answer 4

• Viral load under 20
  
  • Monogamous
  • Heterosexual

Question 5

What are the opportunistic infections which can occur, in order of increasing immunodeficiency needed to occur?

Answer 5

•  TB
  •  Cryptococcosis
  •  PCP (pneumocystis pneumonia)
  •  Toxoplasmosis
  •  CMV retinitis 
  •  Candidiasis 
  •  Shingles
IMG 78

Question 6

What is the Quantiferon Gold test?

Answer 6

Test to see if someone has had TB in the past
• White cells are exposed to TB antigen
• Memory cells will be stimulated, producing IFNƔ
• IFNƔ is measured

Question 7

When is treatment needed for AIDS?

Answer 7

CD4 count under 350
Symptomatic
Pregnant