South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Vaginal disinfection is a simple, potentially effective strategy for reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV that can be implemented in combination with antiretroviral therapy or even in the absence of prenatal HIV testing. We systematically reviewed currently available randomised controlled trials to estimate the benefits and risks of this intervention. ⋯ At present there is insufficient and inconclusive evidence on the effect of vaginal microbicides on the risk of MTCT of HIV. This review identifies the need and provides the impetus for an adequately powered randomised controlled trial to assess the effect(s) of this inexpensive intervention.
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The maternal mortality ratio in poor countries is reported to be 650/100,000 live births. This high maternal mortality may be associated with increasing numbers of HIV related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. ⋯ HIV/AIDS has a great impact on maternal mortality in South Africa, mainly because of the increasing incidence of this syndrome in women in their early reproductive years.