I have recently read an article called South African study highlights importance of research involving children the talks about a clinical trial entailing a group infants that have been diagnosed with HIV. After receiving informed consent form their mothers the infants were place on a drug called early antiretroviral (ARV).
The article explains, “Initial results from the Children with HIV Early Antiretroviral Therapy (CHER) study found a significant increase in survival among infants who received immediate ARV treatment. The trial started in July 2005 and is designed to continue through 201” (Keeton 2011). Furthermore, after a “routine review by the trial’s data and safety monitoring board in June this year, found that of the 377 babies enrolled, 96% were alive in the early treatment group compared to 84% in the delayed treatment group. The results were so striking that the board recommended that no additional infants be placed in the delayed treatment group and all babies be evaluated for initiation of ARV treatment” (Keeton 2011).
The mother of this child, Zama, said: “I did it for the sake of my child after she tested [HIV] positive. I gave informed consent when she was six weeks old. She has had no complications on treatment and is doing fine.” (Keeton 2011).
Finally, “The World Health Organization (WHO) recently finalized the first list of essential medicines for children, which will be released in November. Dr Sue Hill, WHO’s technical expert on the list, said the limited availability of appropriate children’s medicines contributes to childhood mortality” (Keeton 2011).
This article is an example of a positive example of the effects of research on children and/or families. The benefits outweighed the risks to the child.
Keeton, Claire ()2011). World Health Organization. South African study highlights importance of research involving children. Bull World Health Organ. 2007 October; 85(10): 738–740. doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.021007 Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2636499/
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I agree with you in this case the benefits do outweigh the risks. I think that research is so important when it comes to diseases that will effect children for the rest of their lives. By doing research you have a chance to better their lives with the results!
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this article. I haven't heard about the ARV treatment, so I am very interested about this research. I am overwhelmed that there is a treatment available for infants diagnosed with HIV and just to know there is still hope for their survival. I know of some children whose parents have had HIV, but the children was born without the disease, which is very rare to happen.
Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteYou found an excellent study to demonstrate the potential value of research studies which may involve minimal risk to children. The outcome of this HIV study had signifant benefit for all children born with HIV. In addition, this study is a good example where the benefit is so signficant, the researchers stop the study so that the participants in the control group can also benefit. It would be unethical to disallow the control group from receiving the same medical benefit. Good example to share. Thanks, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of beneficial research. The children in the study have the potential to greatly benefit from a new form of treatment; even if it is to simply live longer!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed reading your post this week. The impacts of HIV/AIDS on society include economic deprivation; population dislocation; changes in family composition; loss of income, home and decline in education.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth-
ReplyDeleteThank you for this information. I have been to South Africa and, though I did not study the effects of HIV and AIDS on children, there were professionals that I spoke with that talked of the devastating effects the disease has made on so many families.
Katherine