Molecular characterization and PCR detection of a deletional HPFH: Application to rapid prenatal diagnosis for compound heterozygotes of this defect with thalassemia in a Chinese family

We describe a 33 y/o HIV+ woman who developed advanced Hodgkinʹs disease (HD) during the 2nd trimester of her pregnancy. Combination chemotherapy and antiretroviral treatment along with opportunistic infection prophylaxis were administered. At term, while in partial remission, she delivered by a Caesarian section a healthy baby, PCR-negative for HIV. A complete remission was later achieved upon completion of the chemotherapy regimen. Since both the incidence of HD and the proportion of young women among the HIV+ individuals are increasing, it seems important to recognize that successful completion of pregnancy with no deterioration of accepted surrogate parameters of HIV disease progression is achievable in a carefully treated HIV+ pregnant woman with advanced HD. Am. J. Hematol. 63:57-58, 2000.