The Future Is Theirs -- Medical Advances Promise a Normal Life for Babies Exposed to HIV

In the beginning in 1984, there was little hope for any HIV baby. Often they were abandoned or orphaned, and many died of opportunistic infections. But in 1996, researchers -- including Dr. Andrew Wiznia, head of Pediatric Consultant Services at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx -- proved that babies could take protease inhibitors.

Health officials and doctors began educating and testing pregnant women, and, if they were HIV-positive, treating them to lower their viral load and reduce the babies' risk of infection. Doctors sought to get babies on HIV drugs immediately. The efforts paid off. In 1990, 1,898 babies were born to mothers with HIV in New York state, says Roberta Glaros, head of the state's bureau of HIV ambulatory care. About one in four, or roughly 500, ended up with HIV. By 2000, there were just 830 at-risk births, and the overall mother-to-infant transmission rate dropped to 3.7 percent. That year, "only 28 babies were coming into the system," says Glaros.

In a way, said Wiznia happily, "We are putting ourselves out of business." But, he quickly adds, there is still a long way to go. "We have kids learning to live with chronic disease plus adolescence," says Glaros. They face complex drug regimens and temptations like high-risk sex and drugs. Some have chaotic family situations. Each deals with the stigma of HIV. And they miss a lot of school.

In many ways, the program at Jacobi is a model. The program includes medical experts, researchers, special nurses, social workers and therapists on staff. There's a tutoring program, skills assessments and reading clubs. Two things seem to make a big difference, according to Wiznia and his team: 30- to 45- minute checkups "at least" once a month; and school, friends and love. Parents are key. "We can't help the child if we don't get to the parent," says Delia Grant, social worker.

Back to other CDC news for August 1, 2002

Previous Updates