Postexposure Hiv Prophylaxis

I was dismayed to discover some misleading implications for treatment of nonoccupational HIV exposure in "Who Should Receive Postexposure Prophylaxis?" (AIDS File, August). The original article,1 had omissions and weaknesses of its own. Making decisions about postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) after HIV exposure is multifactorial, and Katz and Gerberding 1,2 have written better articles on this topic. The United States Public Health Service has thus far declined to endorse nonoccupational PEP, because its effectiveness is undocumented. No true guidelines exist describing who should receive PEP for nonoccupational exposures. Studies are currently underway to assess effectiveness, side effects, and tolerability of regimens. Section Description Letters to the editor are welcome. Please include your name, address, and telephone number; If your, letter is published, it may be edited for length and clarity. Send letters by mail to American Journal of Nursing, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 345 Hudson Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10014, Letters may also be faxed to (212) 886-1206 or e-mailed to [email protected].