INDICES> Povidone Iodine Pessaries for pre-delivery vaginal cleansing (2)

[DID <did.jms@imul.com>]

INDICES: RFI: Povidone Iodine Pessaries for pre-delivery vaginal cleansing (2)
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Dear All,

RE: WASHING THE VAGINA WITH IODINE IN PREVENTION OF HIV TRANSMISSION TO BABIES

Yes, iodine as a disinfectant is active against HIV.  And could be of
value in reducing risk of babies getting infected from mothers. 
Especially when used shortly before the baby is born, when the woman
begins to push.

In fact, a study has been documented which shows that "vaginal lavage
with chlorhexidine hydrochloride reduces the risk of HIV transmission to
the baby when membranes have been ruptured for more than four hours, but
not in other cases."'  

The document, does not, however give details of the concentration and
volume of chlorhexidine hydrochloride, and frequency that was used.  The
percentage reduction in risk of HIV transmission is also not indicated. 
The source adds that more research is being done on the value of
chlorhexidine hydrochloride, in that respect.

True, povidone iodine preparations could be of value too.  And more
effectively if used as solutions?  Would pessaries stay and melt in the
seemingly mobile environment and dissolve sufficiently in an aqeous and,
not 'normally-so-hot' arena as that during labour?

Could request for more information from e-mail address:
info@healthlink.org.uk

Kind regards,

George Kibumba, MPS(Uganda).
Drug Information Pharmacist
Drug Information Desk,
Joint Medical Store,
P.O.BOX 4501, KAMPALA, Uganda(E.A)
e-mail: did.jms@imul.com
Tel:    256-41-268482
fax:    256-41-267298
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