Effects of a Single Large Dose of Vitamin A, Given during the Postpartum Period to HIV‐Positive Women and Their Infants, on Child HIV Infection, HIV‐Free Survival, and Mortality

Abstract

BackgroundLow maternal serum retinol level is a risk factor for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Multiple-large-dose vitamin A supplementation of HIV-positive children reduces mortality. The World Health Organization recommends single-large-dose vitamin A supplementation for postpartum women in areas of prevalent vitamin A deficiency; neonatal dosing is under consideration. We investigated the effect that single-large-dose maternal/neonatal vitamin A supplementation has on MTCT, HIV-free survival, and mortality in HIV-exposed infants