An estimated 1.3 million pregnant women were living with HIV in 2018. HIV infection is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and all HIV-positive pregnant women, regardless of their clinical stage, should receive a combination of antiretroviral drugs to suppress maternal viral load and prevent vertical fetal infection. Although antiretroviral treatment in pregnant women has undoubtedly minimized mother-to-child transmission of HIV, several uncertainties remain. For example, while pregnancy is accompanied by changes in pharmacokinetic parameters, relevant data from clinical studies are lacking. Similarly, long-term adverse effects of exposure to antiretrovirals on fetuses have not been studied in detail. Here, we review current knowledge on HIV effects on the placenta and developing fetus, recommended antiretroviral regimens, and pharmacokinetic considerations with particular focus on placental transport. We also discuss recent advances in antiretroviral research and potential effects of antiretroviral treatment on placental/fetal development and programming.

Department of Medicine School of Clinical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research The Ritchie Centre Clayton Victoria Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

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