[Antiretroviral therapy and prevention of maternal-fetal transmission of HIV-1. Current and future strategies].

Azidothymidine is effective and recommended for the prophylaxis of vertical HIV transmission. Data regarding this treatment have been collected over the last decade, leading to it being widely prescribed despite the lack of information concerning its long term toxicity. Antiretroviral drug combinations administered during pregnancy appear to ensure a better protection of both mothers and their offspring. However, data available on the adverse effects of these therapies during pregnancy are scarce and mainly obtained from in vitro or animal models. Therefore there is a need for multicentric trial including long-term follow-up of exposed patients.