Pediatric Considerations for Postexposure Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prophylaxis

Exposures that carry the risk of transmission of blood-bome disease are rare in pediatrics but cause great anxiety in patients and families. Specialists in pediatric infectious diseases are often asked about initial antimicrobial prophylaxis in these cases. Guidelines for nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus have evolved as new formulations and medications become available and greater experience is obtained in assessing relative risks of different exposures and relative costs and benefits for different interventions. This article discusses the evidence behind recent updates to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus, focusing on application in the pediatric population.