Study suggests swift use of antiretrovirals in infected newborns can banish HIV
Researchers have found that administering antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV-infected newborns within two days of birth could effectively eliminate the virus. The study, led by Dr. Deborah Persaud at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, aimed to determine if treating babies with a three-drug regimen shortly after birth could reduce the buildup of HIV reservoirs in their bodies. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in The Lancet HIV medical journal, focused on 54 infants born with HIV between 2015 and 2017.
The traditional approach has been to provide ART to HIV-positive infants weeks after birth. However, the study investigated the case of the Mississippi baby, who remained free of active HIV for 27 months after receiving early antiretroviral treatment. This inspired researchers to explore the benefits of administering ART sooner, within 48 hours of birth.
The babies in the study were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 34 newborns who received a three-drug ART cocktail within 48 hours of birth, while Group 2 included 20 infants who received the same treatment but with a slightly lower dose of one of the drugs. By the age of two, 83% of Group 1 and 100% of Group 2 had tested negative for HIV antibodies. Additionally, 64% of Group 1 and 71% of Group 2 had no detectable HIV DNA in their blood samples.
Dr. Persaud emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating that treating infants at two to three months of age would significantly delay achieving undetectable levels of HIV, whereas administering ART within 48 hours can lead to undetectable levels by age two. The study’s findings highlight the critical role of early delivery in maximizing the benefits of ART for HIV-infected newborns.
The researchers acknowledged that the four drugs used in the study were not the most potent ART regimen available but were the only ones approved for HIV prevention and treatment in newborns at the time. Despite this limitation, the study’s results strongly indicate that early intervention can have a significant impact on reducing HIV reservoirs.
The implications of this study are substantial, as it suggests the possibility of ART-free remission for HIV-infected infants. While there is currently no cure for HIV, antiretrovirals play a crucial role in suppressing the virus’s progression to AIDS. With further research, these findings could potentially revolutionize the treatment and long-term outcomes for HIV-infected newborns worldwide.
The study not only provides valuable insights into early intervention but also underscores the importance of continuing efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. By focusing on timely ART administration, medical professionals can significantly improve the prognosis for HIV-infected infants, offering hope for a future where HIV is no longer a lifelong burden.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking study suggests that administering antiretroviral therapy within 48 hours of birth can effectively reduce HIV reservoirs in infected newborns. These findings have the potential to transform the way HIV-infected infants are treated, offering the possibility of ART-free remission. By addressing the critical importance of early intervention, medical professionals can work towards ensuring better outcomes for HIV-infected newborns worldwide.
