What drug is highlighted as part of the combination antiretroviral regimen for an HIV-positive pregnant woman?

What drug is highlighted as part of the combination antiretroviral regimen for an HIV-positive pregnant woman?

• A. Zidovudine (AZT)
• B. Efavirenz
• C. Ritonavir
• D. Atazanavir

Answer: (A)

In pregnancy, the aim of antiretroviral therapy is to suppress the mother’s viral load to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby, especially around the time of delivery. Zidovudine (AZT) has the most extensive evidence showing it lowers perinatal transmission when used as part of the regimen and given during labor, with neonatal prophylaxis after birth. It crosses the placenta effectively, helping protect the fetus from viral replication. That strong safety and efficacy profile in pregnancy is why AZT is the drug often highlighted in combination regimens for an HIV-positive pregnant woman. Efavirenz is associated with potential teratogenic effects if exposure occurs in early pregnancy, so it’s not the drug routinely highlighted for perinatal transmission prevention. Ritonavir serves mainly as a booster in regimens with protease inhibitors, not as the central agent for transmission prevention. Atazanavir is a protease inhibitor used in pregnancy but is not the drug most historically emphasized for reducing vertical transmission.

In pregnancy, the aim of antiretroviral therapy is to suppress the mother’s viral load to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby, especially around the time of delivery. Zidovudine (AZT) has the most extensive evidence showing it lowers perinatal transmission when used as part of the regimen and given during labor, with neonatal prophylaxis after birth. It crosses the placenta effectively, helping protect the fetus from viral replication. That strong safety and efficacy profile in pregnancy is why AZT is the drug often highlighted in combination regimens for an HIV-positive pregnant woman.

Efavirenz is associated with potential teratogenic effects if exposure occurs in early pregnancy, so it’s not the drug routinely highlighted for perinatal transmission prevention. Ritonavir serves mainly as a booster in regimens with protease inhibitors, not as the central agent for transmission prevention. Atazanavir is a protease inhibitor used in pregnancy but is not the drug most historically emphasized for reducing vertical transmission.