Mothers infected with HIV

Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in pregnant women living with HIV infection: prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility at HIV referral centers in Lagos, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization of the genital tract is often asymptomatic yet associated with increased risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity especially amongst women living with HIV infection. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization of the genital tract in women living with HIV infection and antibiotic susceptibility of GBS in the genital tract.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study recruited 244 pregnant women (122 women living with HIV infection and 122 HIV-uninfected women) between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. GBS colonization was determined by collecting lower vaginal and anal swabs at recruitment. Swabs were cultured in Todd Hewitt's broth and confirmed by Christie, Atkins, and Munch-Peterson (CAMP) test. Most recent CD4 count and viral load estimates were retrieved from the women's records. Maternal and neonatal outcomes and antibiotic susceptibility were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed at 95% confidence interval at a statistical significance of p < .005.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GBS colonization of the genital tract in all participants was 3.3%; GBS was isolated in 4 (3.3%) of 122 pregnant women living with HIV. No woman with a GBS-colonized genital tract developed puerperal sepsis and no neonatal infection occurred in neonates born to GBS-positive women, irrespective of HIV infection status. In women living with HIV, GBS isolate was resistant to Ampicillin (100%), Ceftriaxone (100%), Vancomycin (100%), yet partially sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (50%).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women living with HIV do not have an increased risk of genital GBS colonization. Vaginal GBS colonization was not associated with an adverse perinatal outcome. Antibiotic use for GBS colonization should be based on sensitivity pattern and not empiric.

Trends in heroin use among women of reproductive age in the United States, 2004-2017

Opioid use during pregnancy has been linked to several adverse outcomes including stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Recent data suggest that heroin use has increased in the United States (US) whereas prescription opioid use has decreased. Prevalence estimates for reproductive age women combine heroin and non-medical prescription opioid use, which might mask the increasing heroin trend. The aim of the current study is to estimate the prevalence of heroin use among US women of reproductive age, stratified by pregnancy status. For each year, a representative sample of the US civilian non-institutionalized population is recruited for the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Pregnancy status and heroin use were assessed in women 15-44 years of age (n = 277,333) using audio computerized-assisted self-interviews. From 2004 to 2017, the prevalence of past 30-day heroin use was 12 per 10,000 reproductive age women (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11, 14). Heroin use has increased from 6 per 10,000 women in 2004-05 to 18 per 10,000 women in 2016-17 (Average percent change = 20.8; 95% 11.2, 31.2). The increase was evident among non-pregnant women, but not among pregnant women. Heroin use remains uncommon among women of reproductive age, yet its prevalence has increased over time. Screening for heroin use might be needed at multiple time points including prior to pregnancy to mitigate adverse outcomes associated with use during pregnancy.

Neutrophil extracellular traps: The synergy source in the placentae of HIV infected women with pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVES

To immuno-localize histone H2A expression as a marker of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the placenta; and to quantify and compare the percentage H2A immune-expression as a marker of NETs in the placental intervillous space according to: pregnancy type, HIV status and across the study population.

STUDY DESIGN

The participants to the study were a pregnant South African population group of African ancestry (n = 60) stratified as normotensive (N) (n = 30) or pre-eclamptic (PE) (n = 30) and further subdivided as HIV infected (HIV+) (n = 15) or HIV naïve (HIV-) (n = 15). Following informed consent placental tissue samples were obtained at the time of delivery. Immunohistochemistry using the anti-histone 2A (H2A) antibody as a biomarker of NETs, and morphometric image analysis was used to immuno-localize and quantify placental H2A immuno-expression respectively in the placental inter-villous space. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism software (Version 5).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To determine if HIV neutralizes the elevated NETs in PE.

RESULTS

NETs were localized within the inter-villous space surrounding the exchange villi and conducting villi of placental tissue. Based on HIV status, a significant elevation in H2A immuno-expression was observed in the HIV+ compared to the HIV- group (p = 0.0008) and in the pre-eclampsia HIV- compared to the normotensive HIV- group (p = 0.0008). However, a significant decline in H2A immuno-expression was observed in the PEHIV+ group compared to the NHIV+ group (p = 0.0072).

CONCLUSIONS

Both PE and HIV elevate placental NETs; however, they synergistically downregulate NETs expression. Further investigations are required to interrogate the signaling pathways involved to establish potential NET-targeted therapeutic actions.

Effect of the Number of Pregnancies on Mortality Risk in HIV-Infected Women: a Prospective Cohort Study in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

We investigated whether mortality risk increases with the number of full-term pregnancies in HIV-infected women. Our study is based on data from the ACDIS cohort, collected in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Mortality risk for different number of pregnancies in HIV-infected women was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model. The risk of TB or AIDS mortality in HIV-uninfected women did not change with the number of full-term pregnancies, while the corresponding risk increased markedly in HIV-infected women. The risk of TB or AIDS mortality increased 1.48-fold (95% CI 1.25-1.75), 1.76-fold (95% CI 1.45-2.13), and 1.59-fold (95% CI 1.31-1.94) for one, two, and three or more full-term pregnancies compared to none, respectively. Finally, women who are young (age < 26) have greater risk of TB or AIDS mortality compared to women who are old (age ≥ 26), and women residing in rural areas have greater risk compared to women who reside in non-rural areas.

Classification of deaths in women with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in pregnancy and childbirth

OBJECTIVE

To reclassify deaths of women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in pregnancy and childbirth in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2000 to 2010.

METHODS

A descriptive exploratory study, developed from the following steps: translation to Portuguese of the item "HIV and aids" of the United Nations document "The WHO application of ICD-10 to deaths during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium: DCI MM 2012"; development of a classification algorithm of deaths of women living with the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in pregnancy and childbirth; and reclassification of deaths by a group of experts.

RESULTS

Among the 25 reclassified deaths, 12 were due to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and pregnancy condition was coexisting; 9 were reclassified as indirect maternal death, with O98.7 code, proposed by the World Health Organization; 2 as direct/indirect maternal death; and 2 were considered indeterminate.

CONCLUSION

The reclassification showed a possible pattern of change in maternal mortality, since most of the deaths were attributed to the virus and may lead to a reduction in deaths from maternal causes. The algorithm will subsidize the use of the new classification of maternal death and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

HIV Infection and risk of postpartum infection, complications and mortality in rural Uganda

HIV infection may increase risk of postpartum infection and infection-related mortality. We hypothesized that postpartum infection incidence and attributable mortality in Mbarara, Uganda would be higher in HIV-infected than HIV-uninfected women. We performed a prospective cohort study of 4231 women presenting to a regional referral hospital in 2015 for delivery or postpartum care. All febrile or hypothermic women, and a subset of randomly selected normothermic women were followed during hospitalization and with 6-week postpartum phone interviews. The primary outcome was in-hospital postpartum infection. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital complications (mortality, re-operation, intensive care unit transfer, need for imaging or blood transfusion) and 6-week mortality. We performed multivariable regression analyses to estimate adjusted differences in each outcome by HIV serostatus. Mean age was 25.2 years and 481 participants (11%) were HIV-infected. Median CD4+ count was 487 (IQR 325, 696) cells/mm³, and 90% of HIV-infected women (193/215 selected for in-depth survey) were on antiretroviral therapy. Overall, 5% (205/4231) of women developed fever or hypothermia. Cumulative in-hospital postpartum infection incidence was 2.0% and did not differ by HIV status (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6-3.3, P = 0.49). However, more HIV-infected women developed postpartum complications (4.4% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.001). In-hospital mortality was rare (2/1768, 0.1%), and remained so at 6 weeks (4/1526, 0.3%), without differences by HIV serostatus (P = 1.0 and 0.31, respectively). For women in rural Uganda with high rates of antiretroviral therapy coverage, HIV infection did not predict postpartum infection or mortality, but was associated with increased risk of postpartum complications.

HIV-TB Coinfection among 57 Million Pregnant Women, Obstetric Complications, Alcohol Use, Drug Abuse, and Depression

Objective

HIV and tuberculosis represent diseases of major public health importance worldwide. Very little is known about HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant women, especially from industrialized settings. In this study, we examined the association between TB, HIV, and HIV-TB coinfection among pregnant mothers and obstetric complications, alcohol use, drug abuse, and depression.

Method

We examined inpatient hospital discharges in the United States from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2014. We employed multivariable survey logistic regression to generate adjusted estimates for the association between infection status and study outcomes.

Results

We analyzed approximately 57 million records of pregnant women and their delivery information. HIV-TB coinfection was associated with the highest risks for several obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The risk for alcohol abuse was more than twice as high among HIV-monoinfected as compared to TB-monoinfected mothers. That risk gap more than doubled with HIV-TB coinfection. Both HIV-monoinfected and HIV-TB coinfected mothers experienced similarly increased risks for depression.

Conclusions

Mothers with HIV-TB coinfection experienced relatively heightened risks for obstetric complications, alcohol use, and drug abuse. The findings of this study underscore the importance of augmenting and enhancing social and structural support systems for HIV-TB coinfected pregnant women.

Achieving development goals for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in sub-Saharan Africa through integrated antenatal care: barriers and challenges

BACKGROUND

The global health community is currently transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, progress towards maternal, newborn and infant health MDGs has lagged significantly behind other key health goals, demanding a renewed global effort in this key health area. The World Health Organization and other institutions heralded integrated antenatal care (ANC) as the best way to address the inter-related health issues of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in the high risk groups of pregnant women and infants; integrated ANC services also offer a mechanism to address slow progress towards improved maternal health.

DISCUSSION

There is remarkably limited evidence on best practice approaches of program implementation, acceptability and effectiveness for integrated ANC models targeting multiple diseases. Here, we discuss current integrated ANC global guidelines and the limited literature describing integrated ANC implementation and evidence for their role in addressing HIV, malaria and TB during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. We highlight the paucity of data on the effectiveness of integrated ANC models and identify significant structural barriers in the health system (funding, infrastructure, distribution, human resources), the adoption system (limited buy-in from implementers, leadership, governance) and, in the broader context, patient-centred barriers (fear, stigma, personal burdens) and barriers in funding structures. We highlight recommendations for action and discuss avenues for the global health community to develop systems to integrate multiple disease programs into ANC models of care that better address these three priority infectious diseases. With the current transition to the SDGs and concerns regarding the failure to meet maternal health MDGs, the global health community, researchers, implementers and funding bodies must work together to ensure the establishment of quality operational and implementation research to inform integrated ANC models. It is imperative that the global health community engages in a timely discussion about such implementation innovations and instigates appropriate actions to ensure advances in maternal health are sufficient to meet applicable SDGs.

Placental leptin mRNA expression and serum leptin levels in pre-eclampsia associated with HIV infection

Leptin, primarily produced by adipocytes, is implicated in the development of pre-eclampsia. This study examines placental leptin production and serum leptin levels in HIV infected and uninfected normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Placental leptin production was analysed by RT-PCR and serum leptin levels by ELISA in normotensive (n = 90) and pre-eclamptic (n = 90) pregnancies which were further stratified by HIV status. Placental leptin production was higher in pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies irrespective of HIV status (p = .04). Serum leptin was non-significantly raised in HIV uninfected (p = .42) but lower in HIV-infected (p = .03) pre-eclampsia. The latter had lower BMI (p = .007) and triceps skin-fold thickness (p < .001) than the HIV uninfected groups with a significant correlation between serum leptin and triceps skin-fold thickness (p < .001), indicative of less adipose tissue in HIV-infected women with consequently lower serum leptin. Thus, serum leptin levels are not indicative of increased placental production when pre-eclampsia is associated with HIV infection.

Anaemia in HIV-infected pregnant women receiving triple antiretroviral combination therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission: a secondary analysis of the Kisumu breastfeeding study (KiBS)

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy is estimated to be 35-75% in sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality. We evaluated the frequency and factors associated with anaemia in HIV-infected women undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) enrolled in The Kisumu Breastfeeding Study 2003-2009.

METHODS

Maternal haematological parameters were monitored from 32 to 34 weeks of gestation to 2 years post-delivery among 522 enrolled women. Clinical and laboratory assessments for causes of anaemia were performed, and appropriate management was initiated. Anaemia was graded using the National Institutes of Health Division of AIDS 1994 Adult Toxicity Tables. Data were analysed using SAS software, v 9.2. The Wilcoxon two-sample rank test was used to compare groups. A logistic regression model was fitted to describe the trend in anaemia over time.

RESULTS

At enrolment, the prevalence of any grade anaemia (Hb < 9.4 g/dl) was 61.8%, but fell during ARV therapy, reaching a nadir (7.4%) by 6 months post-partum. A total of 41 women (8%) developed severe anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dl) during follow-up; 2 (4.9%) were hospitalised for blood transfusion, whereas 3 (7.3%) were transfused while hospitalised (for delivery). The greatest proportion of severe anaemia events occurred around delivery (48.8%; n = 20). Anaemia (Hb ≥ 7 and < 9.4 g/dl) at enrolment was associated with severe anaemia at delivery (OR 5.87; 95% CI: 4.48, 7.68, P < 0.01). Few cases of severe anaemia coincided with clinical malaria (24.4%; n = 10) and helminth (7.3%; n = 3) infections.

CONCLUSION

Resolution of anaemia among most participants during study follow-up was likely related to receipt of ARV therapy. Efforts should be geared towards addressing common causes of anaemia in HIV-infected pregnant women, prioritising initiation of ARV therapy and management of peripartum blood loss.

TB-HIV co-infection among pregnant women in Karnataka, South India: A case series

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant contributor to mortality in HIV-infected patients. Concurrent TB infection is also a significant contributing factor to maternal mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women. Studies addressing the outcomes of TB and HIV co-infection among pregnant women are generally infrequent. Although limited, the records maintained by the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) and the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in Karnataka State, Southern India provide information about the numbers of pregnant women who are co-infected with TB and HIV and their pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed the data and conducted this study to understand how TB-HIV co-infection influences the outcomes of pregnancy in this setting. We sought to determine the incidence and treatment and delivery outcomes of TB-HIV co-infected pregnant women in programmatic settings in Karnataka State in southern India. The study participants were all the HIV-infected pregnant women who were screened for tuberculosis under the NACP from 2008 to 2012. For the purposes of this study, the program staff in the field gathered the data regarding on treatment and delivery outcomes of pregnant women. A total of seventeen pregnant women with TB-HIV co-infection were identified among 3,165,729 pregnant women (for an incidence of 5.4 per million pregnancies). The median age of these pregnant women was 24 years, and majority were primiparous women with WHO HIV stage III disease and were on a stavudine-based ART regimen. The maternal mortality rates were 18% before delivery and 24% after delivery. The abortion rate was 24%, and the neonatal mortality rate was 10%. The anti-tuberculosis treatment and anti-retroviral treatment outcome mortality rates were 30% and 53%, respectively. Although the incidence of TB among the HIV-infected pregnant women was marginally less than that among the non-HIV-infected women, the delivery outcomes were relatively poorer. The current strategy for the management of TB among the HIV-positive pregnant women needs urgent review.

Sero-conversion rate of Syphilis and HIV among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Tanzania: a need for re-screening at delivery

BACKGROUND

Despite the available cost effective antenatal testing and treatment, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are still among common infections affecting pregnant women especially in developing countries. In Tanzania, pregnant women are tested only once for syphilis and HIV during antenatal clinic (ANC) visits. Therefore, there are missed opportunities for syphilis and HIV screening among those who were not tested during ANC visits and those acquiring infections during the course of pregnancy. This study was designed to determine the syphilis and HIV seroprevalence at delivery and seroconversion rate among pregnant women delivering at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC).

METHODS

A cross sectional, hospital-based study involving pregnant women attending Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) antenatal clinic was done from January to March 2012. Serum samples were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis using HIV and syphilis rapid tests. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized data collection tool and analysed using STATA version 11.

RESULTS

A total of 331 and 408 women were screened for syphilis and HIV during antenatal respectively. Of 331 women who screened negative for syphilis at ANC, nine (2.7%) were seropositive at delivery while of 391who tested negative for HIV during ANC eight (2%) were found to be positive at delivery. Six (1.8%) and 23 (9%) of women who did not screen for syphilis and HIV at ANC were seropositive for syphilis and HIV at delivery respectively. There was significant difference of seroprevalence for HIV, among women who tested negative at ANC and those who did not test at ANC (2% vs.9%, P,<0.001). The overall prevalence of syphilis and HIV at delivery was 15 (2.3%) and 48 (7.2%) respectively. Syphilis seropositivity at delivery was significantly associated with HIV co-infection (p < 0.001), male partner circumcision (p = 0.011) and alcohol use among women (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current protocol of screening for syphilis and HIV only once during pregnancy as practiced in Tanzania may miss women who get re-infected and seroconvert during pregnancy. Re-screening for syphilis and HIV during the course of pregnancy and at delivery is recommended in Tanzania as it can help to identify such women and institute appropriate treatment.

A systematic review of individual and contextual factors affecting ART initiation, adherence, and retention for HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women

BACKGROUND

Despite progress reducing maternal mortality, HIV-related maternal deaths remain high, accounting, for example, for up to 24 percent of all pregnancy-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective in improving outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women, yet rates of initiation, adherence, and retention remain low. This systematic literature review synthesized evidence about individual and contextual factors affecting ART use among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women.

METHODS

Searches were conducted for studies addressing the population (HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women), intervention (ART), and outcomes of interest (initiation, adherence, and retention). Quantitative and qualitative studies published in English since January 2008 were included. Individual and contextual enablers and barriers to ART use were extracted and organized thematically within a framework of individual, interpersonal, community, and structural categories.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies were included in the review. Individual-level factors included both those within and outside a woman's awareness and control (e.g., commitment to child's health or age). Individual-level barriers included poor understanding of HIV, ART, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and difficulty managing practical demands of ART. At an interpersonal level, disclosure to a spouse and spousal involvement in treatment were associated with improved initiation, adherence, and retention. Fear of negative consequences was a barrier to disclosure. At a community level, stigma was a major barrier. Key structural barriers and enablers were related to health system use and engagement, including access to services and health worker attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

To be successful, programs seeking to expand access to and continued use of ART by integrating maternal health and HIV services must identify and address the relevant barriers and enablers in their own context that are described in this review. Further research on this population, including those who drop out of or never access health services, is needed to inform effective implementation.

Health care provider perspectives on pregnancy and parenting in HIV-positive individuals in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Within the health system, limited attention is given to supporting the fertility and parenting desires on HIV-positive people. In this study, we explore health care providers' knowledge and perspectives on safer conception and alternate parenting strategies for HIV-positive people.

METHODS

Between November 2007 and January 2008, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 health care workers involved in providing HIV and/or antiretroviral services at public sector clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Views on sexual and reproductive health services, pregnancy, childbearing and parenting in HIV-positive men and women were explored using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Providers recognized the sexual and reproductive rights of HIV-positive individuals, but struggled with the tension between supporting these rights and concerns about spreading infection. Limited knowledge of safer conception methods constrained their ability to counsel and support clients in realizing fertility desires. Providers believed that parenting alternatives that do not maintain biological and cultural linkage are unlikely to be acceptable options.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care provider training and support is critical to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and meeting the fertility desires of HIV-positive people.

Acknowledging HIV and malaria as major causes of maternal mortality in Mozambique

OBJECTIVE

To review national data on HIV and malaria as causes of maternal death and to determine the importance of looking at maternal mortality at a subnational level in Mozambique.

METHODS

Three national data surveys were used to document HIV and malaria as causes of maternal mortality and to assess HIV and malaria prevention services for pregnant women. Data were collected between 2007 and 2011, and included population-level verbal autopsy data and household survey data.

RESULTS

Verbal autopsy data indicated that 18.2% of maternal deaths were due to HIV and 23.1% were due to malaria. Only 19.6% of recently pregnant women received at least two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment, and only 42.3% of pregnant women were sleeping under an insecticide-treated net. Only 37.5% of recently pregnant women had been counseled, tested, and received an HIV test result. Coverage of prevention services varied substantially by province.

CONCLUSION

Triangulation of information on cause of death and coverage of interventions can enable appropriate targeting of maternal health interventions. Such information could also help countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to recognize and take action against malaria and HIV in an effort to decrease maternal mortality.

Integration of HIV and maternal healthcare in a high HIV-prevalence setting: analysis of client flow data over time in Swaziland

OBJECTIVE

Maternal and child health (MCH) care may provide an entry point for HIV services in high HIV-prevalence settings. Our objective was to assess integration of HIV with MCH services in public sector facilities in Swaziland.

DESIGN

In 2009, 2010 and 2012, client flow assessments (CFAs) were conducted over 5 days in the MCH units of eight government facilities, purposively selected as intervention or comparison sites.

PARTICIPANTS

8263 MCH visits with female clients were tracked: 3261 in 2009, 2086 in 2010 and 2916 in 2012.

INTERVENTION

Activities and resources to strengthen integration of HIV services into postnatal care (PNC), 2009-2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The proportion of all visits in which an HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, counselling or treatment was received together with an MCH service; the proportion of all visits in which a client receives HIV counselling.

RESULTS

Across facilities, the proportion of visits in which HIV/STI and MCH services were received varied considerably, for example, from 9% to 49% in 2009. HIV/STI services were integrated most frequently with child health (CH), antenatal care (ANC) and family planning (FP)-the most common reasons for women's attendance-and least often with PNC and cervical screening (CS). There was no meaningful difference in integration over time by design group and considerable heterogeneity across facilities. Receipt of integrated services increased in one intervention and two comparison facilities, where HIV counselling also rose, and fell in one intervention and two comparison facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Provision of HIV/STI services with MCH care occurred at all facilities, yet relatively few women receive integrated services. Increases in integration were driven by increases in HIV counselling, while sharp declines in some facilities indicate that integration is difficult to sustain. Opportunities for intensifying HIV integration lie with ANC, CH and FP, while HIV-PNC integration will remain limited until more women attend PNC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Current Controlled Trials NCT01694862.

Development, coinfection, and the syndemics of pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Notable among gaps in the achievement of the global health Millennium Development Goals (MDG) are shortcomings in addressing maternal health, an issue addressed in the fifth MDG. This shortfall is particularly acute in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where over half of all maternal deaths occur each year. While there is not as yet a comprehensive understanding of the biological and social causes of maternal death in SSA, it is evident that poverty, gendered economic marginalization, social disruptions, hindered access to care, unevenness in the quality of care, illegal and clandestine abortions, and infections are all critical factors. Beyond these factors, this paper presents a review of the existing literature on maternal health in SSA to argue that syndemics constitute a significant additional source of maternal morbidity and mortality in the region. Increasing focus on the nature, prevention, and treatment of syndemics, as a result, should be part and parcel of improving maternal health in SSA.

HIV and the risk of direct obstetric complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Women of reproductive age in parts of sub-Saharan Africa are faced both with high levels of HIV and the threat of dying from the direct complications of pregnancy. Clinicians practicing in such settings have reported a high incidence of direct obstetric complications among HIV-infected women, but the evidence supporting this is unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to establish whether HIV-infected women are at increased risk of direct obstetric complications.

Methods and findings

Studies comparing the frequency of obstetric haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, dystocia and intrauterine infections in HIV-infected and uninfected women were identified. Summary estimates of the odds ratio (OR) for the association between HIV and each obstetric complication were calculated through meta-analyses. In total, 44 studies were included providing 66 data sets; 17 on haemorrhage, 19 on hypertensive disorders, five on dystocia and 25 on intrauterine infections. Meta-analysis of the OR from studies including vaginal deliveries indicated that HIV-infected women had over three times the risk of a puerperal sepsis compared with HIV-uninfected women [pooled OR: 3.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.00–5.85]; this figure increased to nearly six amongst studies only including women who delivered by caesarean (pooled OR: 5.81, 95% CI: 2.42–13.97). For other obstetric complications the evidence was weak and inconsistent.

Conclusions

The higher risk of intrauterine infections in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women may require targeted strategies involving the prophylactic use of antibiotics during labour. However, as the huge excess of pregnancy-related mortality in HIV-infected women is unlikely to be due to a higher risk of direct obstetric complications, reducing this mortality will require non obstetric interventions involving access to ART in both pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Protective effect of pregnancy in rural South Africa: questioning the concept of "indirect cause" of maternal death

Background

Measurement of the level and composition of maternal mortality depends on the definition used, with inconsistencies leading to inflated rates and invalid comparisons across settings. This study investigates the differences in risk of death for women in their reproductive years during and outside the maternal risk period (pregnancy, delivery, puerperium), focusing on specific causes of infectious, non-communicable and external causes of death after separating out direct obstetrical causes.

Methods

Data on all deaths of women aged 15–49 years that occurred in the Agincourt sub-district between 1992 and 2010 were obtained from the Agincourt health and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS) located in rural South Africa. Causes of death were assessed using a validated verbal autopsy instrument. Analysis included 2170 deaths, of which 137 occurred during the maternal risk period.

Findings

Overall, women had significantly lower mortality during the maternal risk period than outside it (age-standardized RR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.63–0.89). This was true in most age groups with the exception of adolescents aged 15–19 years where the risk of death was higher. Mortality from most causes, other than obstetric causes, was lower during the maternal risk period except for malaria, cardiovascular diseases and violence where there were no differences. Lower mortality was significant for HIV/AIDS (RR = 0.29, P<0.0001), cancers (RR = 0.10, P<0.023), and accidents (RR = 0, P<0.0001).

Interpretation

In this rural setting typical of much of Southern Africa, pregnancy was largely protective against the risk of death, most likely because of a strong selection effect amongst those women who conceived successfully. The concept of indirect cause of maternal death needs to be re-examined.

Contraceptive practices amongst HIV-positive women on antiretroviral therapy attending an ART clinic in South Africa

Background

Effective contraceptive practices amongst HIV-positive women of reproductive age have been shown to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV by preventing unplanned pregnancies. However, most antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes focus on treatment, neglecting comprehensive contraceptive services. This results in a high frequency of pregnancies amongst HIV-positive women attending the ART clinic of a regional hospital north of Durban.

Objectives

This research aimed to explore contraceptive use amongst HIV-positive women attending an ART clinic by determining, (1) prevalence of contraceptive use, (2) pregnancy rate, (3) contraceptive preferences and (4) factors associated with contraceptive use.

Methods

In this observational, analytical, cross-sectional study of 420 women, aged 15 to 49 years, participants were selected by systematic random sampling. They completed standardised questionnaires.

Results

Of all participants, 95% of the participants used contraception. Factors associated with contraceptive practice were knowledge of HIV status 292 (72.8%), health worker advice 84 (20.9%), and spousal insistence 33 (8.2%). Of the 130 women (31%) who had fallen pregnant whilst on ART, 73 (56.2%) said that the pregnancy had been unplanned, whilst 57 (43.8%) had wanted to fall pregnant because of: partner's insistence (45.6%), desire for a child (36.8%), desire to conceal HIV status (15.8%), not wanting to die childless (5.3%), and death of a previous child (1.8%).

Conclusion

Contraceptive use amongst these women was high but the number of pregnancies is a cause for concern. Information regarding contraceptive use should therefore be provided at all ART clinics.

Managing the risks of sepsis in pregnancy

Sepsis is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. In the UK, sepsis is now the leading cause of direct maternal deaths. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the risks of maternal sepsis and the importance of early management is urgently needed. The challenge in the management of maternal sepsis is the translation of the vast knowledge gained from sequential confidential enquiries into maternal death and research findings, into clinical practice, to ensure an improvement in patient quality of care and maternal mortality and morbidity. In this chapter, I give an overview of the management of the risks of sepsis, and discuss implementation strategies that may reduce these risks.

Young children's probability of dying before and after their mother's death: a rural South African population-based surveillance study

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that a young child's risk of dying increases following the mother's death, but little is known about the risk when the mother becomes very ill prior to her death. We hypothesized that children would be more likely to die during the period several months before their mother's death, as well as for several months after her death. Therefore we investigated the relationship between young children's likelihood of dying and the timing of their mother's death and, in particular, the existence of a critical period of increased risk.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Data from a health and socio-demographic surveillance system in rural South Africa were collected on children 0-5 y of age from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2008. Discrete time survival analysis was used to estimate children's probability of dying before and after their mother's death, accounting for moderators. 1,244 children (3% of sample) died from 1994 to 2008. The probability of child death began to rise 6-11 mo prior to the mother's death and increased markedly during the 2 mo immediately before the month of her death (odds ratio [OR] 7.1 [95% CI 3.9-12.7]), in the month of her death (OR 12.6 [6.2-25.3]), and during the 2 mo following her death (OR 7.0 [3.2-15.6]). This increase in the probability of dying was more pronounced for children whose mothers died of AIDS or tuberculosis compared to other causes of death, but the pattern remained for causes unrelated to AIDS/tuberculosis. Infants aged 0-6 mo at the time of their mother's death were nine times more likely to die than children aged 2-5 y. The limitations of the study included the lack of knowledge about precisely when a very ill mother will die, a lack of information about child nutrition and care, and the diagnosis of AIDS deaths by verbal autopsy rather than serostatus.

CONCLUSIONS

Young children in lower income settings are more likely to die not only after their mother's death but also in the months before, when she is seriously ill. Interventions are urgently needed to support families both when the mother becomes very ill and after her death. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Investigating maternal mortality in a public teaching hospital, abakaliki, ebonyi state, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa has remained high and this is a reflection of the poor quality of maternal services.

AIM

To determine the causes, trends, and level of maternal mortality rate in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a review of the records of all maternal deaths related to pregnancy over a ten-year period, that is, January 1999 to December 2008. Relevant information on number of deaths, booking status, age, parity, educational level of women, mode of delivery, and causes of death were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 12,587 deliveries and 171 maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was 1,359 per 100,000 live births. The trend over the period was lowest in 2008 and highest in 1999 with an MMR of 757 per 100,000 live births and 4,000 per 100,000 live births, respectively. There was a progressive decline in the MMR over the period of study except in the years 2003 and 2006, when the ratio spiked a little, giving an MMR of 1,510 per 100,000 live births and 1,290 per 100,000 live births, respectively. The progressive decline in maternal mortality corresponded with the time that free maternal services were introduced. Hemorrhage was the most important cause of maternal death, accounting for 23.0% (38/165), whereas diabetic ketoacidosis, congestive cardiac failure, and asthma in pregnancy were the least important causes of maternal deaths, each accounting for 0.6% (1/165). Majority of the maternal deaths occurred in unbooked patients (82.4% (136/165)), whereas 17.6% (29/165) of the deaths occurred in booked cases. Forty-seven (28.5% (47/165)) patients died following a cesarean section, 8.5% (14/165) died as a result of abortion complications, and 10.9% (18/165) died undelivered. Seventy-seven (46.7% (77/165)) of the maternal death patients had no formal education. Low socioeconomic status, poor educational level, and grand multiparity were some of the risk factors for maternal mortality.

CONCLUSION

There was a decline in MMR during the period of study. The free maternal health services and adequate staff recruitment, which may have contributed to the observed decline in maternal mortality, should be sustained in developing countries.

Estimating obstetric mortality from pregnancy-related deaths recorded in demographic censuses and surveys

Demographic surveys and censuses often record pregnancy-related deaths, defined as those occurring during the maternal risk period (pregnancy, delivery, and six weeks postpartum), but do not include cause of death. This study presents a method for estimating obstetric mortality from pregnancy-related deaths data. Calculations are based on multiple-decrement life tables, and data needed are simply age-specific fertility and mortality rates that are commonly available in Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) or census data, and an estimate of the relative risk of death from nonobstetric causes during the maternal risk period. The method is tested on 59 DHS surveys from Africa. Results show that, on average, less than half of the pregnancy-related deaths are attributable to obstetric causes. This proportion varies with the level of mortality and fertility, and in particular with the prevalence of HIV in the population.

Sexual risk history and condom use among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ogun State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

The majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are acquired through unprotected sex between partners; only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV during a sexual act.

AIM

This study was therefore designed to describe sexual risk history and identify factors associated with condom use among people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHAs) in Ogun State, Nigeria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcome measures are sexual and HIV risk history, safe sex practices, and condom use.

METHODS

This study is an analytical cross-sectional study. A total sample of all people living with HIV/AIDS attending secondary health facilities in Ogun State were recruited into the study.

RESULT

A total of 637 were interviewed; median age at first sexual intercourse among the study participants was 19 years (mean age = 18.95, standard deviation [SD] = 4.148) with a median of two lifetime sexual partners (mean = 3.22, SD = 3.57). Majority (71.4%) of the respondents had not been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV. Precisely 47.7% of men and 52.3% of women had two or more sexual partners in the last 6 months. Men were statistically significantly more likely to have multiple sexual partners when compared with women (P = 0.00). Significantly more women (69.8%) than men (30%) had sexual partners whose HIV status they did not know (P = 0.006). Predictors of condom use were individuals who had multiple sexual partners (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.83) and married (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.15-8.51) with higher level of education (OR = 2.78, CI = 1.39-5.79), with knowledge of partner's serostatus (OR = 2.53, CI = 1.50-4.28), and awareness of reinfection (OR = 1.90, CI = 1.22-2.95).

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that the establishment of effective safe sex practices and condom use behavior among PLWHAs in low-income countries such as the study population requires adequate health education on the transmission of HIV/AIDS and the understanding of the dynamics of family life and gender issues.

Extended antenatal use of triple antiretroviral therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 correlates with favorable pregnancy outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of HIV-infected women receiving triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention of mother-to-child-transmission.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study with review of records of 3273 HIV-positive women receiving prenatal care in Malawi and Mozambique from July 2005 to December 2009 was conducted in Drug Resource Enhancement Against AIDS and Malnutrition (DREAM) centers. Patients were offered nevirapine-based triple ART initiated in pregnancy until 6 months postpartum. Main outcome measures were maternal mortality, abortion/stillbirth, prematurity, and low birth weight.

RESULTS

Maternal mortality was 1.2% (42/3273): 7.4% in 68 women with no antenatal ART and 0.7% in 1370 with at least 90 days of antenatal ART [P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.96]. Abortion/stillbirth was 5.2% (169/3273): 26.5% in 68 women with no ART and 5.0% in 1370 women with at least 90 days of antenatal ART [P < 0.001; OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.27-0.57)]. Prematurity was 19.1%: 70% in 10 women with no antenatal ART and 8.5% in 1330 women with at least 90 days of antenatal ART [P < 0.001; OR 0.15 (95% CI 0.14-0.19)]. Low birth weight was 11.5% (57/496) and not associated with ART duration. The protective effect of antenatal ART against mortality, fetal demise, and prematurity was independent of CD4 strata. Multivariate analysis for BMI, CD4 cell count, virus load, days in care, predelivery length of ART, and hemoglobin demonstrated an independent association between predelivery length of ART and CD4 with maternal mortality, abortion/stillbirth, and prematurity. ART toxicities were infrequent (5.2%).

CONCLUSION

Antenatal triple ART reduces adverse pregnancy outcomes in HIV-infected women.

To use or not to use a condom: a prospective cohort study comparing contraceptive practices among HIV-infected and HIV-negative youth in Uganda

Background

Unwanted pregnancy and HIV infection are issues of significant concern to young people. Limited data exists on contraceptive decision-making and practices among HIV-infected and HIV-negative young people in low resource settings with generalized HIV epidemics.

Methods

From July 2007 until April 2009, we recruited, and followed up over a one year period, a cohort of 501 HIV-negative and 276 HIV-infected young women and men aged 15-24 years residing in Kampala and Wakiso districts. We compared contraceptive use among HIV-infected and HIV-negative young people and assessed factors associated with contraceptive decision-making and use, using multivariate logistic regression modelling to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Contraceptive use among sexually active HIV-infected young people was 34% while it was 59% among the HIV-negative group. The condom was the most frequently used method of contraception. Only 24% of the HIV-infected used condoms consistently compared to 38% among the negative group OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.38, 0.82). HIV-infected young people were more likely to discuss safe sex behaviour with health workers OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.13, 2.57), though its effect on fertility decision-making was not significant. Throughout the year's follow-up, only 24% among the HIV-negative and 18% among the HIV-infected continued to use contraception while 12% and 28% among the HIV-negative and infected respectively did not use contraception at all. At multivariate analysis, the HIV-infected young people were less likely to maintain contraceptive use. Other factors independently associated with sustained contraceptive use were age of the respondent, marital status and being a male. Conversely, HIV-infected young people were less likely to initiate use of contraception. Being married or in a relationship was associated with higher odds of initiating contraceptive use.

Conclusion

Compared to the HIV-negative group, sexually active HIV-infected young people are less likely to use contraception and condoms. Initiating or sustaining contraceptive use was also significantly less among the HIV-infected group. Strengthening family planning services and developing new innovative ideas to re-market condom use are needed. Policy and guidelines that empower health workers to help young people (especially the HIV infected) express their sexuality and reproduction should urgently be developed.

Maternal mortality for 181 countries, 1980-2008: a systematic analysis of progress towards Millennium Development Goal 5

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality remains a major challenge to health systems worldwide. Reliable information about the rates and trends in maternal mortality is essential for resource mobilisation, and for planning and assessment of progress towards Millennium Development Goal 5 (MDG 5), the target for which is a 75% reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) from 1990 to 2015. We assessed levels and trends in maternal mortality for 181 countries.

METHODS

We constructed a database of 2651 observations of maternal mortality for 181 countries for 1980-2008, from vital registration data, censuses, surveys, and verbal autopsy studies. We used robust analytical methods to generate estimates of maternal deaths and the MMR for each year between 1980 and 2008. We explored the sensitivity of our data to model specification and show the out-of-sample predictive validity of our methods.

FINDINGS

We estimated that there were 342,900 (uncertainty interval 302,100-394,300) maternal deaths worldwide in 2008, down from 526,300 (446,400-629,600) in 1980. The global MMR decreased from 422 (358-505) in 1980 to 320 (272-388) in 1990, and was 251 (221-289) per 100,000 livebirths in 2008. The yearly rate of decline of the global MMR since 1990 was 1.3% (1.0-1.5). During 1990-2008, rates of yearly decline in the MMR varied between countries, from 8.8% (8.7-14.1) in the Maldives to an increase of 5.5% (5.2-5.6) in Zimbabwe. More than 50% of all maternal deaths were in only six countries in 2008 (India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). In the absence of HIV, there would have been 281 500 (243,900-327,900) maternal deaths worldwide in 2008.

INTERPRETATION

Substantial, albeit varied, progress has been made towards MDG 5. Although only 23 countries are on track to achieve a 75% decrease in MMR by 2015, countries such as Egypt, China, Ecuador, and Bolivia have been achieving accelerated progress.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Vida reprodutiva de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS: revisando a literatura

No contexto atual da epidemia de HIV/AIDS, temáticas como a reprodução e a transmissão materno-infantil tornaram-se frequentes e têm suscitado diversos posicionamentos por parte de pessoas portadoras e das equipes de saúde. O presente artigo teve por objetivo examinar o impacto da infecção por HIV/AIDS na vida reprodutiva de pessoas portadoras, considerando o direito à maternidade e à paternidade. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura acerca de aspectos biológicos, psíquicos e sociais que compõem o cenário da assistência em saúde reprodutiva. Constatou-se que a prevalência da lógica biomédica e o impacto social da epidemia restringem o exercício do direito à maternidade e à paternidade dos indivíduos portadores de HIV/AIDS. Diante disso, entende se que as políticas públicas e as ações em saúde devem ser direcionadas pelo respeito ao princípio da integralidade e pelo respeito à autonomia individual, dentro de um contexto de apoio e orientação psicossocial.

Maternal and early onset neonatal bacterial sepsis: burden and strategies for prevention in sub-Saharan Africa

Maternal and child health are high priorities for international development. Through a Review of published work, we show substantial gaps in current knowledge on incidence (cases per live births), aetiology, and risk factors for both maternal and early onset neonatal bacterial sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa. Although existing published data suggest that sepsis causes about 10% of all maternal deaths and 26% of neonatal deaths, these are likely to be considerable underestimates because of methodological limitations. Successful intervention strategies in resource-rich settings and early studies in sub-Saharan Africa suggest that the burden of maternal and early onset neonatal bacterial sepsis could be reduced through simple interventions, including antiseptic and antibiotic treatment. An effective way to expedite evidence to guide interventions and determine the incidence, aetiology, and risk factors for sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa would be through a multiarmed factorial intervention trial aimed at reducing both maternal and early onset neonatal bacterial sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa.

HIV in pregnancy: a case of Pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci pneumonia

This review highlights the rising prevalence of HIV in pregnancy both in the developed and developing world. It focuses on the challenges of diagnosis and management of Pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci pneumonia in an HIV-positive pregnant woman. Public health efforts need to continue addressing testing at the earliest opportunity, the psychosocial issues which impact negatively on the care of HIV-positive individuals and ways to reduce stigmatisation associated with this viral illness.

HIV/AIDS and maternity care in Kenya: how fears of stigma and discrimination affect uptake and provision of labor and delivery services

Although policies and programs exist to promote safe motherhood in sub-Saharan Africa, maternal health has not improved and may be deteriorating in some countries. Part of the explanation may be the adverse effects of HIV/AIDS on maternity care. We conducted a study in Kisumu, Kenya to explore how fears related to HIV/AIDS affect women's uptake and health workers' provision of labor and delivery services. In-depth qualitative interviews with 17 maternity workers, 14 pregnant or postpartum women, four male partners and two traditional birth attendants; as well as structured observations of 22 births; were conducted at four health facilities. Participants reported that fears of HIV testing; fears of involuntary disclosure of HIV status to others, including spouses; and HIV/AIDS stigma are among the reasons that women avoid delivering in health facilities. Maternity workers now have to take into account the HIV status of the women they serve (as well as their own fears of becoming infected and stigmatized) but do not seem to be adequately prepared to handle issues related to consent, confidentiality and disclosure. Importantly, it appeared that women of unknown HIV status during labor and delivery were likely to be targets of stigma and discriminatory practices and that these women were not receiving needed counseling services. The findings suggest that increasing infection control precautions will not be enough to address the challenges faced by maternity care providers in caring for women in high-HIV-prevalence settings. Maternity workers need enhanced culturally sensitive training regarding consent, confidentiality and disclosure. Furthermore, this study points to the necessity of paying more attention to the care of women of unknown HIV-serostatus during labor and delivery. Such interventions may improve the quality of maternity care, increase utilization and contribute to overall improvements in maternal health, while also enhancing prevention of mother-to-child-transmission and HIV care.

From PMTCT to a more comprehensive AIDS response for women: a much-needed shift

Half of the 33.2 million people living with HIV today are women. Yet, responses to the epidemic are not adequately meeting the needs of women. This article critically evaluates how prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs, the principal framework under which women's health is currently addressed in the global response to AIDS, have tended to focus on the prevention of HIV transmission from HIV-positive women to their infants. This paper concludes that more than ten years after their inception, PMTCT programs still do not successfully ensure the adequate treatment, care and support of HIV-infected women. Of particular concern is the continued widespread use of single-dose nevirapine despite World Health Organization recommendations to employ more effective combination therapies that do not potentially jeopardize women's future treatment outcomes. In response, the article calls for a more comprehensive approach that places women's health needs at the centre of AIDS responses. This is critical in settings where the pandemic is generalized and there is a push to greatly expand PMTCT programs, as a more effective and equitable way of meeting the needs of women in the context of HIV. Without such a comprehensive approach, women will continue to be impacted disproportionately by the pandemic, and current strategies for prevention, including PMTCT, and treatment will not be as effective and responsive as they need to be.

An autopsy study of maternal mortality in Mozambique: the contribution of infectious diseases

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality is a major health problem concentrated in resource-poor regions. Accurate data on its causes using rigorous methods is lacking, but is essential to guide policy-makers and health professionals to reduce this intolerable burden. The aim of this study was to accurately describe the causes of maternal death in order to contribute to its reduction, in one of the regions of the world with the highest maternal mortality ratios.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We conducted a prospective study between October 2002 and December 2004 on the causes of maternal death in a tertiary-level referral hospital in Maputo, Mozambique, using complete autopsies with histological examination. HIV detection was done by virologic and serologic tests, and malaria was diagnosed by histological and parasitological examination. During 26 mo there were 179 maternal deaths, of which 139 (77.6%) had a complete autopsy and formed the basis of this analysis. Of those with test results, 65 women (52.8%) were HIV-positive. Obstetric complications accounted for 38.2% of deaths; haemorrhage was the most frequent cause (16.6%). Nonobstetric conditions accounted for 56.1% of deaths; HIV/AIDS, pyogenic bronchopneumonia, severe malaria, and pyogenic meningitis were the most common causes (12.9%, 12.2%, 10.1% and 7.2% respectively). Mycobacterial infection was found in 12 (8.6%) maternal deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

In this tertiary hospital in Mozambique, infectious diseases accounted for at least half of all maternal deaths, even though effective treatment is available for the four leading causes, HIV/AIDS, pyogenic bronchopneumonia, severe malaria, and pyogenic meningitis. These observations highlight the need to implement effective and available prevention tools, such as intermittent preventive treatment and insecticide-treated bed-nets for malaria, antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS, or vaccines and effective antibiotics for pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases. Deaths due to obstetric causes represent a failure of health-care systems and require urgent improvement.

Maternal death, autopsy studies, and lessons from pathology

The author discusses the implications of a new autopsy study of maternal deaths in Mozambique.

Morbidity among HIV-1-infected mothers in Kenya: prevalence and correlates of illness during 2-year postpartum follow-up

BACKGROUND

Much of the burden of morbidity affecting women of childbearing age in sub-Saharan Africa occurs in the context of HIV-1 infection. Understanding patterns of illness and determinants of disease in HIV-1-infected mothers may guide effective interventions to improve maternal health in this setting.

METHODS

We describe the incidence and cofactors of comorbidities affecting peripartum and postpartum HIV-1-infected women in Kenya. Women were evaluated by clinical examination and standardized questionnaires during pregnancy and for up to 2 years after delivery.

RESULTS

Five hundred thirty-five women were enrolled in the cohort (median CD4 count of 433 cells/mm) and accrued 7736 person-months of follow-up. During 1-year follow-up, the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections was 161 per 100 person-years, incidence of pneumonia was 33 per 100 person-years, incidence of tuberculosis (TB) was 11 per 100 person-years, and incidence of diarrhea was 63 per 100 person-years. Immunosuppression and HIV-1 RNA levels were predictive for pneumonia, oral thrush, and TB but not for diarrhea; CD4 counts <200 cells/mm(3) were associated with pneumonia (relative risk [RR] = 2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71 to 4.83), TB (RR = 7.14, 95% CI: 2.93 to 17.40) and thrush. The risk of diarrhea was significantly associated with crowding (RR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.92) and breast-feeding (RR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.44). Less than 10% of women reported hospitalization during 2-year follow-up; mortality risk in the cohort was 1.9% and 4.8% for 1 and 2 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers with HIV-1, although generally healthy, have substantial morbidity as a result of common infections, some of which are predicted by immune status or by socioeconomic factors. Enhanced attention to maternal health is increasingly important as HIV-1-infected mothers transition from programs targeting the prevention of mother-to-child transmission to HIV care clinics.