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IMPAACT2046: Infant Feeding and HIV

About this study 

Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may have questions about how to feed their babies. In the past, people living with HIV in the United States were told not to breastfeed. This is because HIV can pass to a baby through breast milk. Today, HIV medicines work better. Some women who take HIV medicine and who have very low virus levels may choose to breastfeed. Current guidelines say HIV medicine can lower the chance of passing HIV during breastfeeding, but the chance is not zero. 

We still need to learn more about how families choose how to feed their babies and what happens to mothers and babies over time. 

The study will follow mothers living with HIV and their babies over time. Researchers will: 

  • Collect blood and breast milk samples from mothers 
  • Use interviews and surveys to ask participants about their experiences and concerns  
  • Collect information about how babies are fed and about their health 
  • Ask how families decide between breastfeeding and formula feeding 
  • Collect information about costs related to infant feeding 

This study does not test a new drug or treatment. It is an observational study. This means researchers will watch and learn from what families and health care teams are already doing.  

The study aims to help doctors better support women living with HIV during pregnancy and after birth. The results may help improve talks between families and doctors about infant feeding.  

Researchers still need to learn how families make feeding choices and what support they need. They also want to learn what happens to mothers and babies over time. The study will also look at whether a national list for breastfeeding women living with HIV is helpful and easy to use. 

Eligibility overview 

  • Women (age 18 years and older) living with HIV  
  • Currently pregnant or gave birth after February 28, 2023 
  • Willing to take part in interviews, surveys, or follow-up visits (depending on study part) 
  • For some parts, women may choose breastfeeding or formula feeding. 
  • Infants may join only if their mother is enrolled and gives permission. 

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The above information is intended to provide only a basic description about a research protocol that may be currently active at St. Jude. The details made available here may not be the most up-to-date information on protocols used by St. Jude. To receive full details about a protocol and its status and or use at St. Jude, a physician must contact St. Jude directly.

Overview

Full title:

IMPAACT2046: Understanding Practices of Lactation and Infant Feeding Together with Women with HIV in the United States 

Study goal:

To understand infant feeding decisions, practices, and health outcomes for women with HIV and their babies in the United States.

Diagnosis:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Age:

Women: 18 years and older
Infants: Newborns of enrolled mothers may be included in some parts of the study

Clinical trial categories:

Infectious Diseases Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

For physicians and researchers

Patients accepted to St. Jude must be referred by a physician or other qualified medical professional. Learn how St. Jude can partner with you to care for your patient.

 

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