Maternal HIV infection associated with small-for-gestational age infants but not preterm births: evidence from rural South Africa

Impact of maternal HIV infection on perinatal outcomes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Maternal HIV infection remains a significant global health concern with potential repercussions on perinatal outcomes. Emphasis on early intervention to improve peri- and postnatal outcomes in infected mothers and infants is a valid therapeutic concern.

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively analyze perinatal outcomes associated with maternal HIV infection and evaluate adverse effects associated with the HIV infection in the existing literature.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was conducted from 2013 to September 2023, using relevant MeSH terms.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The included studies encompassed original studies, cross-sectional, prospective, retrospective studies and observational studies focused on perinatal outcomes in the context of maternal HIV infection.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The selected studies underwent rigorous data collection and comprehensive quality checks and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine eligible studies from Brazil, China, India, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, the USA, and Canada were included. These studies have consistently demonstrated that maternal HIV infection is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The analysis revealed a higher risk of preterm birth (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.39-1.78), low birth weight (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18-1.49), and small for gestational age (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.24-1.53) among infants born to mothers living with HIV. Notably, the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on these outcomes varied, but maternal HIV infection remained a significant risk factor regardless of income level and geographic region.

CONCLUSION

Maternal HIV infection is consistently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and improved prenatal care in pregnant women with HIV infection.

Low birth weight among infants and pregnancy outcomes among women living with HIV and HIV-negative women in Rwanda

Introduction

In utero exposure to HIV and/or triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been shown to be associated with preterm births and low birth weight (LBW), but data from low-resources settings with high burden of HIV remain limited. This study utilized retrospective data to describe pregnancy outcomes among Rwandan women living with HIV (WLHIV) and HIV-negative women and to assess the association of HIV and ART with LBW.

Methods

This study used data from a large cohort of WLHIV and HIV-negative women in Rwanda for a cross-sectional analysis. Retrospective data were collected from antenatal care (ANC), delivery, and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) registries within the Central Africa International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (CA-IeDEA) in Rwanda. Data from women with documented HIV test results and known pregnancy outcomes were included in the analysis. Analyses for predictors of LBW (< 2,500 g) were restricted to singleton live births. Logistic models were used to identify independent predictors and estimate the odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) measuring the strength of their association with LBW.

Results and discussion

Out of 10,608 women with known HIV status and with documented pregnancy outcomes, 9.7% (n = 1,024) were WLHIV. We restricted the sample to 10,483 women who had singleton live births for the analysis of the primary outcome, LBW. Compared with HIV-negative women, WLHIV had higher rates of stillbirth, preterm births, and LBW babies. Multivariable model showed that WLHIV and primigravidae had higher odds of LBW. Lower maternal weight and primigravidae status were associated with greater odds of LBW. Among WLHIV, the use of ART was associated with significantly lower odds of LBW in a bivariate analysis. Even in a sample of relatively healthier uncomplicated pregnancies and women who delivered in low-risk settings, WLHIV still had higher rates of poor pregnancy outcomes and to have LBW infants compared to women without HIV. Lower maternal weight and primigravidae status were independently associated with LBW. Given that supplementary nutrition to malnourished pregnant women is known to decrease the incidence of LBW, providing such supplements to lower-weight WLHIV, especially primigravidae women, might help reduce LBW.

Adverse perinatal outcomes attributable to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa from 1990 to 2020: Systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are associated with increased risks of adverse perinatal outcomes. The vast majority of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV) reside in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to determine the burden of adverse perinatal outcomes attributable to HIV and ARVs in sub-Saharan Africa between 1990 and 2020.

METHODS

We conduct a systematic review of studies on the association of pregnant WLHIV with adverse perinatal outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. We perform random-effects meta-analyses to determine the risk difference (attributable risk, AR) of perinatal outcomes among WLHIV receiving no ARVs, monotherapy, or combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiated antenatally or preconception, compared to HIV-negative women. We estimate numbers of perinatal outcomes attributable to HIV and ARVs by combining the AR values with numbers of WLHIV receiving different ARV regimens in each country in sub-Saharan Africa annually between 1990 and 2020.

RESULTS

We find that WLHIV receiving no ARVs or cART initiated antenatally or preconception, but not monotherapy, have an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA), compared to HIV-negative women. Between 1990 and 2020, 1,921,563 PTBs, 2,119,320 LBWs, and 2,049,434 SGAs are estimated to be attributable to HIV and ARVs in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly among WLHIV receiving no ARVs, while monotherapy and preconception and antenatal cART averted many adverse outcomes. In 2020, 64,585 PTBs, 58,608 LBWs, and 61,112 SGAs were estimated to be attributable to HIV and ARVs, the majority among WLHIV receiving preconception cART.

CONCLUSIONS

As the proportion of WLHIV receiving preconception cART increases, the burden of adverse perinatal outcomes among WLHIV in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to remain high.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021248987.

Stress-Sensitive Regulators of Fetal Neurodevelopment in HIV and Preeclampsia: An Immunocytochemical Appraisal of Placental OGT and T4 Levels

Preeclampsia and HIV are a significant burden to maternal health globally, especially in low-middle income countries such as South Africa. In the KwaZulu-Natal province, SA antenatal HIV prevalence is 41.1%, while PE is 12%. PE and HIV infections are maternal stress and inflammation that impact placental function and fetal development. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of the comorbidity of PE and HIV on placental stress and neurodevelopment. Placentae were obtained from four cohorts of pregnant women: normotensive HIV negative, normotensive HIV positive, preeclamptic HIV negative, and preeclamptic HIV positive. The placental tissue sections were immunostained for OGT and T4. Our findings showed that the maternal weight, diastolic, and systolic blood pressures (BP) were higher in PE vs. the normotensive groups, irrespective of HIV status. In addition, significant changes were noticed in the placental weight, fetoplacental ratio, and placental efficiency coefficient. Our findings showed that the maternal weight, diastolic, and systolic blood pressures (BP) were statistically higher in the PE compared to the normotensive. No significant differences were observed between HIV positive and HIV negative groups. In addition, significant changes were noticed in the placental weight, fetoplacental ratio, and placental coefficient. Furthermore, considerable upregulation in the placental expression of OGT in both the conducting and exchange villi of PE and concomitant downregulation in HIV-positive patients compared with Normotensive and HIV-negative individuals, respectively. Our results provide inferential evidence on the dysregulation of OGT in the comorbidity of PE and HIV. This may mediate a compromised programmed outcome of an adverse maternal environment during pregnancy and consequently affect fetal development.

Risk factors for stunting in children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected after Option B+ implementation in Malawi

Evidence suggests children HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) experience poor growth. We analysed child anthropometrics and explored factors associated with stunting among Malawian CHEU. Mothers with HIV and their infants HIV-exposed were enroled in a nationally representative prospective cohort within the National Evaluation of Malawi's Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Programme after Option B+ implementation (2014-2018). Anthropometry was measured at enrolment (age 1-6 months), visit 1 (approximately 12 months), and visit 2 (approximately 24 months). Weight-for-age (WAZ) and length-for-age (LAZ) z-scores were calculated using World Health Organization Growth Standards; underweight and stunting were defined as WAZ and LAZ more than 2 standard deviations below the reference median. Multivariable logistic regression restricted to CHEU aged 24 months (±3 months) was used to identify factors associated with stunting. Among 1211 CHEU, 562/1211 attended visit 2, of which 529 were aged 24 months (±3 months) and were included. At age 24 months, 40.4% of CHEU were stunted and/or underweight, respectively. In multi-variable analysis, adjusting for child age and sex, the odds of stunting were higher among CHEU with infectious disease diagnosis compared to those with no diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio = 3.35 [95% confidence interval: 1.82-6.17]), which was modified by co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (p = 0.028). Infant low birthweight was associated with an increased odds of stunting; optimal feeding and maternal employment were correlated with reduced odds. This is one of the first studies examining CHEU growth since Option B+. Interventions to improve linear growth among CHEU should address their multi-faceted health risks, alongside maternal ART prescription, and follow-up of mother-child pairs.

Early Childhood Growth Parameters in South African Children with Exposure to Maternal HIV Infection and Placental Insufficiency

Maternal HIV exposure and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to placental insufficiency both carry major risks to early child growth. We compared the growth outcomes of children aged 18 months who had abnormal umbilical artery resistance indices (UmA-RI), as a marker of placental insufficiency, with a comparator group of children with normal UmA-RI during pregnancy, as mediated by maternal HIV infection. The cross-sectional study included 271 children, grouped into four subgroups based on HIV exposure and history of normal/abnormal UmA-RI, using available pregnancy and birth information. Standard procedures were followed to collect anthropometric data, and z-scores computed as per World Health Organization growth standards. Lower length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) were observed in children who were HIV-exposed-uninfected (CHEU) (-0.71 ± 1.23; p = 0.004) and who had abnormal UmA-RI findings (-0.68 ± 1.53; p < 0.001). CHEU with abnormal UmA-RI had lower LAZ (-1.3 ± 1.3; p < 0.001) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (-0.64 ± 0.92; p = 0.014) compared to the control group. The prevalence of stunting was 40.0% in CHEU with abnormal UmA-RI and 16.0% in CHEU with normal UmA-RI (p < 0.001; p = 0.016, respectively). In conclusion, maternal HIV exposure and placental insufficiency are independent risk factors for childhood stunting, with this risk potentiated when these two risk factors overlap.

Pregnancy outcomes in women living with HIV and HIV-negative women in South Africa: Cohort analysis based on bias-corrected gestational age

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) use during pregnancy may be associated with adverse outcomes, but findings have been inconsistent, at least in part due to unreliably estimated gestational age.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the association between HIV status, ART initiation timing and adverse birth outcomes, with reliably assessed gestational age at booking, in a public sector primary care facility in Cape Town, South Africa.

METHODS

Pregnant women, HIV-negative or living with HIV (WLHIV), were enrolled at first antenatal care visit and followed through delivery. Ultrasound-assessed gestational age was deemed the gold standard. Based on quantitative bias analysis for outcome misclassification, gestational age by non-ultrasound assessment was corrected using multiple overimputation, which deals with missing data and measurement error simultaneously. Using bias-corrected gestational age, birth outcomes were compared between WLHIV and HIV-negative women, and among WLHIV who initiated ART before versus during pregnancy, further divided into trimesters.

RESULTS

Of 3952 women enrolled, 37% were WLHIV (mostly using tenofovir + emtricitabine + efavirenz). Last menstrual period (LMP)-based gestational age was identified to be biased, and LMP measures were thus corrected using multiple overimputation. Comparing WLHIV and HIV-negative women, adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of overall pregnancy loss was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98, 1.61); aRR of preterm delivery was 1.02 (95% CI 0.88, 1.20); aRR of small for gestational age infants was 1.43 (95% CI 1.14, 1.80). Among WLHIV, outcomes were similar by ART initiation timing.

CONCLUSIONS

In this routine care cohort, risk of SGA, and possibly of pregnancy loss, was increased in WLHIV compared with HIV-negative women, with no evidence of increased risk of preterm delivery. Further research is needed to improve mechanistic understanding of the contribution of ART to adverse birth outcomes to optimize treatment for pregnant WLHIV and ensure optimal maternal and infant outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Young Children Born to HIV-Infected Mothers: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Over 15 million children who were exposed to HIV perinatally but uninfected (HEU) are alive globally, and they are faced with multiple risk factors for poor neurodevelopment. While children who are HIV-infected (HIV+) appear to have worse neurodevelopmental scores compared to children unexposed and uninfected with HIV (HUU), the evidence is mixed in children who are HEU. This small descriptive pilot study aimed to compare neurodevelopmental scores of children who are HIV+, HEU, and HUU in Kenya. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study included children ages 18-36 months who were HIV+, HEU, or HUU. Neurodevelopment was assessed, along with sociodemographic, lab, and growth data. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, chi-squared, and adjusted linear regression models. Results: One hundred seventy two were included (n = 24 HIV+; n = 74 HEU; n = 74 HUU). Mothers of children who were HEU experienced more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). The only neurodevelopmental differences were found among groups was that children who were HIV+ had higher receptive language scores (p = 0.007). Lower height-for-age z-scores and being left home alone were associated with worse neurodevelopmental scores. Conclusions: Being stunted, left completely alone for at least an hour within the last week, and having higher sociodemographic status were associated with worse neurodevelopmental scores. The higher levels of depressive symptoms within mothers of children who are HEU warrants further investigation.

Performance of a local reference curve for predicting small for gestational age fetuses in pregnant women with HIV/AIDS

PURPOSE

To compare the performance of a local estimated fetal weight curve with curves established for other populations to predict small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses.

METHODS

A retrospective and cross-sectional study involving 231 fetuses in which the performance of a local curve (proposed model) was compared with the Hadlock and Intergrowth-21st curves in the prediction of SGA fetuses, by applying them to a population of high-risk pregnant woman with HIV/AIDS. For each model, a receiver operating characteristic curve was adjusted, considering the SGA classification by the neonatal Intergrowth method as the gold standard, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

RESULTS

The models presented linear correlations with each other. The agreement of the proposed model with Hadlock was very good (kappa = 0.83), whereas the proposed model and Intergrowth-21st had moderate agreement (kappa = 0.44). The SGA fetus detection sensitivities of the proposed model and Hadlock were 61.9% and 57.1%, with specificity of 84.1% and 86.2% and accuracy of 80.1% and 81%, respectively, without statistical difference. The sensitivity of the Intergrowth-21st model was 33.3%, while the accuracy was 85.7% and the specificity was 97.4%. The AUC estimated values for the Hadlock, proposed, and Intergrowth-21st models were 0.834, 0.832, and 0.835, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The proposed model and Hadlock were interchangeable in the prediction of SGA fetuses and superior to the Intergrowth-21st model.

Pregnancy outcomes following exposure to efavirenz based antiretroviral therapy in indian women

OBJECTIVES:

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV has witnessed a significant reduction due to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Efavirenz has been introduced as a part of ART since last few years in the national Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) program for pregnant women living with HIV. However, data related to adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with efavirenz-based ART are limited in the Indian scenario. The present study evaluated pregnancy outcomes in HIV-infected pregnant women who were given efavirenz-based ART during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It is a retrospective, observational, analytic study carried out at a referral hospital in Western India. Collection of data was done for a period of 5 years, and various adverse outcomes were studied which included preterm delivery, low birth weight (LBW), stillbirths, congenital anomaly, and neonatal death.

RESULTS:

This study showed a preterm birth rate of 19% and LBW in 36% of cases. There was no significant association with congenital anomaly, stillbirth, or neonatal death.

CONCLUSION:

There was an association of exposure to efavirenz with an increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially LBW infants. This study emphasizes the requirement of large prospective studies to investigate fetomaternal outcomes in pregnant women exposed to efavirenz.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Is Associated With Preterm Delivery Independent of Vaginal Microbiota in Pregnant African Women

BACKGROUND

During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiota is relatively stable. However, African women have more diverse vaginal microbiota than their European counterparts, in addition to high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and risk of adverse birth outcomes. Although HIV is associated with alterations in vaginal microbiota and inflammation in nonpregnant women, these relationships are underexplored in pregnant women.

METHODS

In this study, we characterize the vaginal microbiota and immune factors in pregnant African women who were HIV-uninfected (n = 314) versus HIV-infected (n = 42). Mucosal samples were collected once at the enrollment visit (between 15 and 35 weeks of gestation) and women were followed until delivery.

RESULTS

Vaginal microbial communities of pregnant women with HIV were significantly more diverse than women without HIV (P = .004), with community structure also differing by HIV status (P = .002, R2 = 0.02). Human immunodeficiency virus infection was also associated with increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) (31% versus 15.3%; P = .066). In a multivariate analysis, HIV infection was independently associated with diverse vaginal community state type (CST)-IVA (P = .005) and CST-IVB (P = .018) as well as PTB (P = .049). No association between HIV status and cytokine concentrations was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal studies with accurate gestational age assessment would be important to confirm these relationships.

Evolution of perinatal outcomes and sociodemographic variables in Chile (1996-2017)

The evolution of birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), and gestational age at delivery (GAD) and their correlation with various maternal sociodemographic variables were studied in Chilean newborns from years 1996 to 2017. A slight decrease in the mean values of these perinatal outcomes was observed; however, their risk sub-categories increased significantly, especially for GAD, indicating an important deterioration. GAD was strongly correlated with BW and BL. In the contingency tables, all sociodemographic variables, with the exemption of sex, had a higher proportion of early term 37-38-week and late pre-term 34-36-week newborns in women with a higher socioeconomic level; the strongest positive association was observed between mother's years of education and the GAD risk category 37-38 weeks. Different maternal factors, such as a higher frequency of cesarean sections, including either obesity presence or smoking habit, could be influencing presented results.

Placental growth disorders and perinatal adverse outcomes in Brazilian HIV-infected pregnant women

Fetal and placental growth disorders are common in maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and can be attributed to both the infection and comorbidities not associated with HIV. We describe placental growth disorders and adverse reproductive outcomes in HIV-infected pregnant women whose delivery occurred between 2001-2014 in Vitoria, Brazil. Cases with gestational age (GA) ≥ than 22 weeks validated by ultrasonography, with placental and fetal weight dimensions at birth, were studied. Outcomes were summarized as proportions of small (SGA), appropriate (AGA), and large (LGA) for GA when the z-score values were below -1.28, between -1.28 and +1.28, or above +1.28, respectively. Of 187 fetal attachment requisitions, 122(65.2%) women and their newborns participated in the study. The median maternal age was 28 years and 81(66.4%) underwent ≥ 6 prenatal visits. A total of 81(66.4%) were diagnosed before current pregnancy; 68(55.7%) exhibited criteria for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); 64(52.4%) had detectable viral load; 25(20.5%) cases presented SGA placental weight and 6(4.9%) SGA placental thickness. SGA placental area was observed in 41(33.6%) cases, and among the SGA placental weight cases 12(48%) were also SGA fetal weight. Preterm birth (PTB) occurred in 15.6%(19/122) of cases; perinatal death in 4.1%(5/122) and HIV vertical transmission in 6 of 122 (4.9%). Women, ≥36 years old, were 5.7 times more likely to have PTB than those under 36. Also, patients with AIDS-defining criteria were 3.7 times more likely to have PTB. Prenatal care was inversely associated with PTB. Statistically significant associations were observed between AGA placental area and Protease Inhibitor usage and between SGA placental weight and SGA area. We found a prevalence of placental growth disorders in HIV-infected pregnant women and values higher than international reference values. The restriction of placental growth was a common disorder, possibly attributed to virus effects or a combination of antiretroviral regimens.

Maternal HIV infection and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Hunan province, China: A prospective cohort study

This study described the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) in Chinese HIV-infected pregnant women, and examined the relationship between maternal HIV infection /HIV-related factors and APOs.This prospective cohort study was carried out among 483 HIV-infected pregnant women and 966 HIV-uninfected pregnant women. The HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women were enrolled from midwifery hospitals in Hunan province between October 2014 and September 2017. All data were extracted in a standard structured form, including maternal characteristics, HIV infection status, HIV-related factors and their pregnancy outcomes. APOs were assessed by maternal HIV infection status and HIV-related factors using logistic regression analysis.The incidences of stillbirth (3.9% vs 1.1%), preterm birth (PTB) (8.9% vs 3.7%), low birth weight (LBW) (12.2% vs 3.1%) and small for gestational age (SGA) (21.3% vs 7.0%) were higher in HIV-infected women than HIV-uninfected women, with adjusted ORs of 2.77 (95%CI: 1.24-6.17), 2.37 (95%CI: 1.44-3.89), 4.20 (95%CI: 2.59-6.82) and 3.26 (95%CI: 3.26-4.64), respectively. No differences were found in neonatal asphyxia or birth defects between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups, with adjusted ORs of 1.12 (95%CI: 0.37-3.43) and 1.10 (95%CI: 0.51-2.39), respectively. Among HIV-infected pregnant women, different antiretroviral (ARV) regimens were significantly associated with stillbirths, but not PTB, LBW or SGA. Compared with untreated HIV infection (10.1%), both mono/dual therapy and HAART were associated with a reduced risk of stillbirths (2.0% and 3.2%, respectively), with an AOR of 0.19 (95%CI: 0.04-0.92) and 0.31 (95%CI: 0.11-0.85), respectively. Initial time of ARV drugs use and HIV infection status of the sexual partner were not associated with maternal APOs.The findings of this study indicated that maternal HIV infection was associated with significantly increased risks of stillbirth, PTB, LBW and SGA, but not neonatal asphyxia or birth defects. On the condition that most HIV-infected pregnant women started ARV therapy in or after the second trimester, both mono/dual therapy and HAART had a protective effect on stillbirth compared with untreated HIV infection. As some important confounders were not effectively controlled and the specific regimens of HAART were not analyzed, the above findings may have certain bias.

Placental Structure in Preterm Birth Among HIV-Positive Versus HIV-Negative Women in Kenya

Background:

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Recent data suggest that in addition to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the risk of PTB. As the mechanisms remain unexplored, we conducted this study to determine whether HIV and ART were associated with placental changes that could contribute to PTB.

Setting:

We collected and evaluated placentas from 38 HIV-positive women on ART and 43 HIV-negative women who had preterm deliveries in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods:

Anatomical features of the placentas were examined at gross and microscopic levels. Cases were matched for gestational age and compared by the investigators who were blinded to maternal HIV serostatus.

Results:

Among preterm placentas, HIV infection was significantly associated with thrombosis (P = 0.001), infarction (P = 0.032), anomalies in cord insertion (P = 0.02), gross evidence of membrane infection (P = 0.043), and reduced placental thickness (P = 0.010). Overall, preterm placentas in both groups were associated with immature villi, syncytial knotting, villitis, and deciduitis. Features of HIV-positive versus HIV-negative placentas included significant fibrinoid deposition with villus degeneration, syncytiotrophoblast delamination, red blood cell adhesion, hypervascularity, and reduction in both surface area and perimeter of the terminal villi.

Conclusions:

These results imply that HIV infection and/or ART are associated with morphological changes in preterm placentas that contribute to delivery before 37 weeks. Hypervascularity suggests that the observed pathologies may be attributable, in part, to hypoxia. Further research to explore potential mechanisms will help elucidate the pathways that are involved perhaps pointing to interventions for decreasing the risk of prematurity among HIV-positive women.

The association between household socio-economic status, maternal socio-demographic characteristics and adverse birth and infant growth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Adverse birth outcomes and infant undernutrition remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Impaired infant growth and development, which often begins during foetal development, may persist during the first 2 years of life and has been associated with higher risks of cardiometabolic diseases. This systematic review assessed the associations between maternal demographic characteristics and household socio-economic status (SES), and preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age, low birth weight (LBW), stunting, wasting and underweight in children under 2 years of age in SSA countries. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched for publications in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect). Eleven studies on children under 2 years of age, in four SSA regions, published in English between 1990 and 2018, were included. All the studies were observational in design (cross-sectional or cohort studies). Maternal education was the most commonly explored exposure. Most studies (63.3%) focused on undernutrition during the first 2 years of life: LBW, PTB and stunting. Lower maternal education, maternal unemployment and lower household wealth index were the SES factors most commonly associated with adverse birth outcomes and infant undernutrition. Maternal marital status was not associated with any infant outcomes. The definitions of the SES varied, which may explain discrepancies between studies. Nutrition intervention programs in SSA need to promote education and poverty alleviation in women at reproductive age, starting from pre-pregnancy, to optimise infant growth and development and prevent the increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases.

Breastfeeding, HIV exposure, childhood obesity, and prehypertension: A South African cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the association between breastfeeding and later childhood obesity and blood pressure (BP) is inconsistent, especially in HIV-prevalent areas where, until recently, HIV-infected women were discouraged from breastfeeding, but obesity is increasingly prevalent.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The Siyakhula cohort (2012-2014), a population-based prospective cohort study, collected data over 3 visits on HIV-negative children ages 7 to 11 years in rural South Africa. We used weight (body mass index [BMI]), fat, and BP as outcome variables and incorporated early life (including mother's age at delivery and HIV status) and current life factors (including maternal education and current BMI). Our primary exposure was breastfeeding duration. We dichotomized 3 outcome measures using pre-established thresholds for clinical interpretability: (1) overfat: ≥85th percentile of body fat; (2) overweight: >1 SD BMI z score; and (3) prehypertension: ≥90th percentile for systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP). We modelled each outcome using multivariable logistic regression, including stopping breastfeeding, then early life, and finally current life factors. Of 1,536 children (mean age = 9.3 years; 872 girls; 664 boys), 7% were overfat, 13.2% overweight, and 9.1% prehypertensive. Over half (60%) of the mothers reported continued breastfeeding for 12+ months. In multivariable analyses, continued breastfeeding between 6 and 11 months was associated with approximately halved odds of both being overfat (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.91, P = 0.027) and overweight (aOR = 0.46, CI 0.26-0.82, P = 0.0083), but the association with prehypertension did not reach statistical significance (aOR = 0.72, CI 0.38-1.37, P = 0.32). Children with a mother who was currently obese were 5 times more likely (aOR = 5.02, CI 2.47-10.20, P < 0.001) to be overfat and over 4 times more likely to be overweight (aOR = 4.33, CI 2.65-7.09, P < 0.001) than children with normal weight mothers. Differences between HIV-exposed and unexposed children on any of the outcomes were minimal and not significant. The main study limitation was that duration of breastfeeding was based on maternal recall.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study examining and quantifying the association between breastfeeding and childhood obesity in an African setting with high HIV prevalence. We observed that breastfeeding was independently associated with reduced childhood obesity for both HIV-exposed and unexposed children, suggesting that promoting optimal nutrition throughout the life course, starting with continued breastfeeding, may be critical to tackling the growing obesity epidemic. In the era of widespread effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV-infected women for life, these data further support the recommendation of breastfeeding for all women.

The Elusive Role of Placental Macrophages: The Hofbauer Cell

In this review, we discuss the often overlooked tissue-resident fetal macrophages, Hofbauer cells, which are found within the chorionic villi of the human placenta. Hofbauer cells have been shown to have a phenotype associated with regulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. They are thought to play a crucial role in the regulation of pregnancy and in the maintenance of a homeostatic environment that is crucial for fetal development. Even though the numbers of these macrophages are some of the most abundant immune cells in the human placenta, which are sustained throughout pregnancy, there are very few studies that have identified their origin, their phenotype, and functions and why they are maintained throughout gestation. It is not yet understood how Hofbauer cells may change in function throughout normal pregnancy, and especially in those complicated by maternal gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and viral infections, such as Zika, cytomegalovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus. We review what is known about the origin of these macrophages and explore how common complications of pregnancy dysregulate these cells leading to adverse birth outcomes in humans. Our synthesis sheds light on areas for human studies that can further define these innate regulatory cells.

Pregnancy outcomes and effects of antiretroviral drugs in HIV-positive pregnant women: a systematic review

Aim: Despite the clear morbidity, mortality and vertical transmission rates in women infected with HIV, there is still controversy surrounding the relationship between maternal infection and adverse neonatal outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy is considered the main and most effective method for reducing the vertical transmission of infection. However, there is no consensus over potential associations between antiretroviral therapy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review focuses on the effects of antiretroviral drugs on pregnancy outcomes in HIV-positive women. Methods: After searching MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the ISI Web of Sciences and EMBASE, 570 potentially eligible papers were identified. Only 32 papers were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Results: The most prevalent adverse pregnancy outcomes were low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth. Conclusion: Considering the higher prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in HIV-infected women, HIV screening methods should be administered in all pregnant women. Appropriate treatment modalities should also be selected to minimize adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Low Birthweight, Retention in HIV Care, and Adherence to ART Among Postpartum Women Living with HIV in Ghana

Care for low birthweight (LBW) infants can contribute to psychological difficulties and stigma among mothers living with HIV, creating challenges for antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and retention in HIV care. We explored how caring for LBW infants affects maternal ART adherence and retention in care. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with postpartum women living with HIV in Accra, Ghana: 15 with LBW infants and 15 with normal birthweight (NBW) infants. Compared to mothers with NBW infants, mothers with LBW infants described how caring for their newborns led to increased caregiver burden, prolonged hospital stays, and stigma-contributing to incomplete ART adherence and missed clinical appointments. For a few women, care for LBW infants created opportunities for re-engagement in HIV care and motivation to adhere to ART. Results suggest women living with HIV and LBW babies in Ghana face increased challenges that impact their adherence to care and ART.

Determinants of growth in HIV-exposed and HIV-uninfected infants in the Kabeho Study

HIV-exposed and HIV-uninfected (HEU) infants may be at increased risk of poor health and growth outcomes. We characterized infant growth trajectories in a cohort of HEU infants to identify factors associated with healthy growth. HIV-positive women participating in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programmes in Kigali, Rwanda, were followed until their infants were 2 years old. Infant anthropometrics were regularly collected. Latent class analysis was used to categorize infant growth trajectories. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of infants belonging to each growth trajectory class. On average, this population of HEU infants had moderate linear growth faltering, but only modest faltering in weight, resulting in mean weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) above the World Health Organization (WHO) median. Mean WLZ was 0.53, and mean length-for-age z-score (LAZ) was -1.14 over the first 2 years of life. We identified four unique WLZ trajectories and seven trajectories in LAZ. Low neonatal weight-for-age and a high rate of illness increased the likelihood that infants were in the lightest WLZ class. Shorter mothers were more likely to have infants with linear growth faltering. Female infants who were older at the end of exclusive breastfeeding were more likely to be in the second tallest LAZ class. In conclusion, the current WHO recommendations of Option B+ and extended breastfeeding may induce higher WLZ and lower LAZ early in infancy. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in growth patterns that is obscured by simply analysing average growth trends, necessitating the analysis of growth in subpopulations.

Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Microbial Translocation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Pregnant Women Are Associated With Preterm Birth

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) rates are high in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations, even when on treatment. Still, only a subset of all births in HIV-infected pregnant women result in PTB, suggesting that risk factors other than HIV infection itself are also important. Inflammation is a known risk factor in uninfected populations, but its role in HIV-infected population have not been studied; in addition, the immune pathways involved are not clear and noninvasive immune markers with predictive value are lacking. Our objective was to determine the association of select markers of inflammation with PTB in HIV-1-infected pregnant women.

Methods

Within a randomized trial of pregnant women receiving nevirapine (Six-Week Extended-Dose Nevirapine [SWEN] trial), we nested a case-control study (n = 107; 26 cases, 81 controls) to determine the association of maternal inflammation with PTB. Cases were defined as PTB (<37 weeks' gestational age). We assessed inflammation by measuring plasma levels of markers of general inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]), intestinal barrier dysfunction (intestinal fatty acid binding protein [I-FABP]), and microbial translocation/monocyte activation (soluble CD14 [sCD14] and CD163 [sCD163]). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the odds of PTB per log2 increase of each marker.

Results

In multivariable models, there was increased odds of PTB per unit increase of log2 sCD14 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-4.86), log2 sCD163 (aOR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.43-10.49), and log2 I-FABP (aOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.18-4.41) but not log2 CRP (aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, .48-1.09).

Conclusions

Our results show that select immune markers can identify women at higher risk for PTB in HIV-1-infected populations and suggest that modulating gut barrier integrity and microbial translocation may affect PTB.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT00061321.

The effect of maternal HIV status and treatment duration on body composition of HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed preterm, very and extremely low-birthweight infants

BACKGROUND

There is an evidence gap regarding the relationship between HIV exposure, body composition (and the quality thereof) and preterm infants.

AIM

This study determined the body composition of HIV-exposed, preterm very low-birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants and to assess the effect of maternal HAART duration on the body composition of this vulnerable population.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. HIV-exposed and -unexposed preterm infants (<37 weeks) with a birthweight of ≤1200g were included. Maternal medical background was recorded. Infant body composition measurements were recorded weekly during the 28-day follow-up period.

RESULTS

Thirty preterm infants (27%) were HIV-exposed. HIV-exposed infants had significantly (=0.01) lower gestational ages than HIV-unexposed infants (25-28 weeks). HIV-exposed infants had significantly lower measurements on day 21 and day 28 for triceps skinfold (TSF) (2.5 mm vs 2.7 mm, = 0.02 and 2.6 mm vs 2.9 mm, <0.01), subscapular skinfold (SSSF) (2.3 mm vs 2.6 mm, = 0.02 and 2.4 mm vs 2.7 mm, =<0.01) and fat mass percentage (FM%) (0.9% vs 1.4%, = 0.02 and 1.0% vs 1.5%, = 0.03). HIV-exposed infants whose mothers received HAART for ≥ 20 weeks were heavier and had a higher FM% and lower fat-free mass percentage (FFM%) at birth than HIV-exposed preterm infants whose mothers received highly active antiretroviral therapy for ≥ 4- < 20 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Mothers receiving HAART could have increased risk of preterm delivery, and the duration of maternal HAART affects postnatal body composition of their infants. Body composition differs between HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed preterm infants.

Prevalence and factors associated with preterm birth at kenyatta national hospital

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization estimates the prevalence of preterm birth to be 5-18% across 184 countries of the world. Statistics from countries with reliable data show that preterm birth is on the rise. About a third of neonatal deaths are directly attributed to prematurity and this has hindered the achievement of Millennium Development Goal-4 target. Locally, few studies have looked at the prevalence of preterm delivery and factors associated with it. This study determined the prevalence of preterm birth and the factors associated with preterm delivery at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the maternity unit of Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2013. A total of 322 mothers who met the eligibility criteria and their babies were enrolled into the study. Mothers were interviewed using a standard pretested questionnaire and additional data extracted from medical records. The mothers' nutritional status was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference measured on the left. Gestational age was assessed clinically using the Finnstrom Score.

RESULTS

The prevalence of preterm birth was found to be 18.3%. Maternal age, parity, previous preterm birth, multiple gestation, pregnancy induced hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, prolonged prelabor rupture of membranes and urinary tract infections were significantly associated with preterm birth (p = < 0.05) although maternal age less < 20 years appeared to be protective. Only pregnancy induced hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage and prolonged prelabor rupture of membranes remained significant after controlling for confounders. Marital status, level of education, smoking, alcohol use, antenatal clinic attendance, Human Immunodeficiency Virus status, anemia, maternal middle upper arm circumference and interpregnancy interval were not associated with preterm birth.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of preterm birth in Kenyatta National Hospital was 18.3%. Maternal age ≤ 20 years, parity > 4, twin gestation, maternal urinary tract infections, pregnancy induced hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage and prolonged prelabor rupture of membranes were significantly associated with preterm birth. The latter 3 were independent determinants of preterm birth. At-risk mothers should receive intensified antenatal care to mitigate preterm birth.

Preterm delivery and small-for-gestation outcomes in HIV-infected pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy in rural South Africa: Results from a cohort study, 2010-2015

Objectives

Increasingly more women conceive on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase-based regimens. This study assessed the effect of preconception tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-lamivudine (3TC)/emtricitabine (FTC)-efavirenz (EFV) and post-conception TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV (versus other regimens) on preterm delivery (PTD) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) births.

Methods

We analysed data of 2549 HIV-infected women attending antenatal clinics in KwaZulu-Natal from 2010 through 2015 in this retrospective cohort study. Preconception, TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV was compared to nevirapine (NVP)-based regimens and other 3-drug EFV-based regimens. Post-conception, TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV was compared to NVP-based ART and zidovudine (ZDV) prophylaxis. Outcomes included PTD <37 weeks and SGA births. Generalized linear mixed effects were used to fit logistic regression models to account for repeat pregnancies.

Results

Among 2549 singleton live births, 10.4% (n = 264) were PTD and 10.4% (n = 265) SGA. PTD declined from 16.3% in 2010 to 9.3% in 2015 and SGA remained stable from 9.9% in 2010 to 10% in 2015.

Preconception NVP-based regimens [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.66; 95% CI 0.27–1.63] and other 3-drug EFV-based regimens (aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.24–2.12) were not associated with PTD versus TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV. NVP-based (aOR 0.75; 95% CI 0.40–1.42) and other 3-drug EFV-based regimens (aOR 1.55; 95% CI 0.76–3.16) were not associated with SGA births versus TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV.

Post-conception NVP-based ART (1.77; 95% CI 0.89–3.51) and ZDV (1.03; 95% CI 0.68–1.58) were not associated with PTD versus TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV. NVP-based ART (1.55; 95% CI 0.66–3.61) and ZDV (0.89; 95% CI 0.53–1.47) were not associated with SGA versus TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV.

Conclusions

Preconception TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV and post-conception TDF-(3TC/FTC)-EFV were not associated with PTD or SGA, compared with other regimens. Increasing ART use merits further study of the optimum ART regimen for safe birth outcomes.

Preconception use of cART by HIV-positive pregnant women increases the risk of infants being born small for gestational age

Background

The benefits of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) in HIV-positive pregnant women (improved maternal health and prevention of mother to child transmission [pMTCT]) currently outweigh the adverse effects due to cART. As the variety of cART increases, however, the question arises as to which type of cART is safest for pregnant women and women of childbearing age. We studied the effect of timing and exposure to different classes of cART on adverse birth outcomes in a large HIV cohort in the Netherlands.

Materials and methods

We included singleton HEU infants registered in the ATHENA cohort from 1997 to 2015. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for single and multiple pregnancies was used to evaluate predictors of small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight <10^th percentile for gestational age), low birth weight and preterm delivery.

Results

A total of 1392 children born to 1022 mothers were included. Of these, 331 (23.8%) children were SGA. Women starting cART before conception had an increased risk of having a SGA infant compared to women starting cART after conception (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03−1.77, p = 0.03). The risk for SGA was highest in women who started a protease inhibitor-(PI) based regimen prior to pregnancy, compared with women who initiated PI-based cART during pregnancy. While the association of preterm delivery and preconception cART was significant in univariate analysis, on multivariate analysis only a non-significant trend was observed (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.94−1.92, p = 0.06) in women who had started cART before compared to after conception. In multivariate analysis, the risk of low birth weight (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.94−1.92, p = 0.11) was not significantly increased in women who had started cART prior to conception compared to after conception.

Conclusion

In our cohort of pregnant HIV-positive women, the use of cART prior to conception, most notably a PI-based regimen, was associated with intrauterine growth restriction resulting in SGA. Data showed a non-significant trend in the risk of PTD associated with preconception use of cART compared to its use after conception. More studies are needed with regard to the mechanisms taking place in the placenta during fetal growth in pregnant HIV-positive women using cART. It will only be with this knowledge that we can begin to understand the potential impact of HIV and cART on the fetus, in order to be able to determine the optimal individualised drug regimen for HIV-infected women of childbearing age.

Life History theory hypotheses on child growth: Potential implications for short and long-term child growth, development and health

Life history theory integrates ecological, physiological, and molecular layers within an evolutionary framework to understand organisms' strategies to optimize survival and reproduction. Two life history hypotheses and their implications for child growth, development, and health (illustrated in the South African context) are reviewed here. One hypothesis suggests that there is an energy trade-off between linear growth and brain growth. Undernutrition in infancy and childhood may trigger adaptive physiological mechanisms prioritizing the brain at the expense of body growth. Another hypothesis is that the period from conception to infancy is a critical window of developmental plasticity of linear growth, the duration of which may vary between and within populations. The transition from infancy to childhood may mark the end of a critical window of opportunity for improving child growth. Both hypotheses emphasize the developmental plasticity of linear growth and the potential determinants of growth variability (including the role of parent-offspring conflict in maternal resources allocation). Implications of these hypotheses in populations with high burdens of undernutrition and infections are discussed. In South Africa, HIV/AIDS during pregnancy (associated with adverse birth outcomes, short duration of breastfeeding, and social consequences) may lead to a shortened window of developmental plasticity of growth. Furthermore, undernutrition and infectious diseases in children living in South Africa, a country undergoing a rapid nutrition transition, may have adverse consequences on individuals' cognitive abilities and risks of cardio-metabolic diseases. Studies are needed to identify physiological mechanisms underlying energy allocation between biological functions and their potential impacts on health.

In Utero ART Exposure and Birth and Early Growth Outcomes Among HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants Attending Immunization Services: Results From National PMTCT Surveillance, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Despite the recognized benefit of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for preventing and treating HIV, some studies have reported adverse birth outcomes with in utero ART exposure. We evaluated the effect of infant in utero HIV and ART exposure on preterm delivery (PTD), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and underweight for age (UFA) at 6 weeks.

METHODS

We surveyed 6179 HIV-unexposed-uninfected (HUU) and 2599 HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) infants. HEU infants were stratified into 3 groups: ART, Zidovudine alone, and no antiretrovirals (None). The ART group was further stratified to explore pre- or postconception exposure. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated effects of HIV and ARV exposure on the outcomes.

RESULTS

We found higher odds of PTD, LBW, SGA, and UFA in HEU than HUU infants. HEU in the None group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.0) or those whose mothers initiated ART preconception (AOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5) had almost twice the odds of PTD than infants whose mothers started ART postconception, but no increased odds for other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an association between preconception ART and PTD. As ART access increases, pregnancy registers or similar surveillance should be in place to monitor outcomes to inform future policy.

The developmental effects of HIV and alcohol: a comparison of gestational outcomes among babies from South African communities with high prevalence of HIV and alcohol use

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence of the negative impact of alcohol on morbidity and mortality of individuals living with HIV but limited evidence of in utero effects of HIV and alcohol on exposure on infants.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based birth cohort study (N = 667 mother-infant dyads) in South Africa to investigate whether maternal alcohol use and HIV affected gestational outcomes. Descriptive data analysis was conducted for all variables using frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, and estimates of variance. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to determine whether maternal alcohol use, maternal HIV status and other risk factors (socioeconomic status, smoking, depression) predicted infant outcomes.

RESULTS

Our results showed severity of recent alcohol use and lifetime alcohol use predicted low birth weight. Similarly lifetime alcohol use predicted shorter infant length, smaller head length, smaller head circumference, and early gestational age. However, HIV status was not a significant predictor of gestational outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The unexpected finding that maternal HIV status did not predict any of the gestational outcomes may be due to high rates of ART usage among HIV-infected mothers. The potentially negative effects of HIV on gestational outcomes may have been attenuated by improved maternal health due to high coverage of antiretroviral treatment in South Africa. Interventions are needed to reduce alcohol consumption among pregnant mothers and to support healthy growth and psychosocial development of infants.

DOHaD at the intersection of maternal immune activation and maternal metabolic stress: a scoping review

The prenatal environment is now recognized as a key driver of non-communicable disease risk later in life. Within the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm, studies are increasingly identifying links between maternal morbidity during pregnancy and disease later in life for offspring. Nutrient restriction, metabolic disorders during gestation, such as diabetes or obesity, and maternal immune activation provoked by infection have been linked to adverse health outcomes for offspring later in life. These factors frequently co-occur, but the potential for compounding effects of multiple morbidities on DOHaD-related outcomes has not received adequate attention. This is of particular importance in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), which have ongoing high rates of infectious diseases and are now experiencing transitions from undernutrition to excess adiposity. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize studies examining the effect and interaction of co-occurring metabolic or nutritional stressors and infectious diseases during gestation on DOHaD-related health outcomes. We identified nine studies in humans - four performed in the United States and five in LMICs. The most common outcome, also in seven of nine studies, was premature birth or low birth weight. We identified nine animal studies, six in mice, two in rats and one in sheep. The interaction between metabolic/nutritional exposures and infectious exposures had varying effects including synergism, inhibition and independent actions. No human studies were specifically designed to assess the interaction of metabolic/nutritional exposures and infectious diseases. Future studies of neonatal outcomes should measure these exposures and explicitly examine their concerted effect.

High Burden of Morbidity and Mortality but Not Growth Failure in Infants Exposed to but Uninfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Tanzania

OBJECTIVE

To compare health and growth outcomes in children infected with HIV, children exposed to but uninfected with HIV, and children unexposed to HIV.

STUDY DESIGN

Our cohort included 3554 Tanzanian children enrolled in 2 trials of micronutrient supplementation. Among infants born to mothers infected with HIV, 264 were infected with HIV and 2088 were exposed to but uninfected at 6 weeks of age. An additional 1202 infants were unexposed to HIV. Infants were followed until 18 months of age, death, or loss to follow-up. Morbidity and growth were assessed at monthly nurse visits.

RESULTS

Compared with unexposed infants, hazard ratios (95% CI) for all-cause mortality in infants infected with HIV and infants who were exposed to but uninfected with HIV were 28.99 (14.83-56.66) and 2.79 (1.41-5.53), respectively, after adjusting for demographic and nutritional covariates. Compared with infants unexposed to HIV, infants infected with HIV also had a significantly greater risk of all measured morbidities, while infants who were exposed to but uninfected with HIV were significantly more likely to suffer from cough, fever, unscheduled outpatient visits, and hospitalizations. Infants infected with HIV also were more likely to experience stunting, wasting, and underweight at baseline and during follow-up. Infants exposed to but uninfected with HIV were more likely to be underweight at baseline (adjusted relative risk, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.45-2.89), but on average, experienced slower declines in height-for-age z-score, weight-for-age z-score, and weight-for-height z-score as well as a lower rate of stunting over follow-up, compared with unexposed infants.

CONCLUSION

In addition to preventing and treating HIV infection in infants, prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission of HIV and child health services should also target children exposed to but uninfected with HIV to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00197730 and NCT00421668.

The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on obstetric conditions: A review

HIV is the leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in resource constrained countries. Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) initiated in pregnancy has now almost eliminated mother to child transmission of the virus, and is beginning to show the desired effect of reducing HIV related maternal mortality. By modulating host immunological responses HAART has the potential to alter infections during pregnancy, in addition to modifying clinical conditions such as preeclampsia. There is increasing evidence of the benefits of HAART given to pregnant women, however there is paucity of data that distinguishes HIV or HAART as the cause or exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions or conditions specific to pregnancy. Anaemia is the commonest haematological disorder seen in HIV infected women and is more pronounced during pregnancy. The use of HAART has the potential to reduce the incidence and severity of the disease. Tuberculosis (TB) is the commonest chest infection amongst HIV infected people, being more common amongst pregnant than non-pregnant women. It is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases amongst women of reproductive age, and accounts for at least a quarter of all cases of maternal deaths associated with non-pregnancy related infections (NPRI). TB can manifest at any stage of the HIV infection, including during treatment with HAART. The latter (ie TB manifestation during HAART treatment) is thought to be the commonest manifestation of what is now known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). In a South African report on maternal deaths, 55% of women who died of TB were on HAART, and a further 35% of women in the NPRI category died from other pneumoniae, notably pneumocystis jorevicci, which is also related to HIV infection. With regards to puerperal sepsis, studies are yet to show the impact of HAART independent of antibiotics in reducing infectious morbidity in HIV infected women. Preeclampsia has been associated with HIV infection, where most studies point towards a reduced risk in HIV infected women. There is increasing evidence that this reduced risk is reversed in the presence of HAART, with women accessing HAART having almost the same risk as HIV uninfected women. HIV or its treatment may be associated with increased risk of obstetric haemorrhage, and an increasing trend of obstetric haemorrhage as a cause of maternal deaths has been recently reported, proportionally in line with the introduction and increasing availability of HAART for pregnant women The mechanism by which this may occur remains elusive since pregnancy is a pro-thrombotic state, however, HIV-related thrombocytopenia or vasculitis could account for the association, if found. HAART would then be expected to reverse this. HAART especially protease inhibitor containing combinations, have been associated with preterm deliveries and low birth weight, particularly when initiated prior to the index pregnancy. With these overall findings of the effect of HAART on obstetric conditions, this review is intended to encourage heightened surveillance of adverse events associated with HAART use in pregnant women.

Association of previous severe low birth weight with adverse perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy among HIV-prevalent urban African women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between severity of prior low birth weight (LBW) delivery and adverse perinatal outcomes in the subsequent delivery among an HIV-prevalent urban African population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 41 109 women who had undergone two deliveries in Lusaka, Zambia, between February 1, 2006, and May 31, 2013. The relationship between prior LBW delivery (<2500 g) and a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcome in the second pregnancy was assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Women with prior LBW delivery (n=4259) had an increased risk of LBW in the second delivery versus those without prior LBW delivery (n=37 642). Such risk correlated with the severity of first delivery LBW. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 2.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-4.09) for a birth weight of 1000-1499 g, 3.05 (95% CI 2.42-3.86) for a birth weight of 1500-1999 g, and 2.02 (95% CI 1.81-2.27) for a birth weight of 2000-2499 g. Previous LBW delivery also increased the risk of adverse perinatal outcome, with an AOR of 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.7).

CONCLUSION

Severe prior LBW delivery conferred substantial risk for adverse perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.

Maternal HIV infection alters the immune balance in the mother and fetus; implications for pregnancy outcome and infant health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the rapid roll-out of combination antiretroviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, there is an annual increase in the number of uninfected infants born to HIV-infected women. Although the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy has vastly improved pregnancy outcome and the health of infants born to HIV-infected women, concerns remain regarding the impact the maternal HIV infection on the pregnancy outcome and the health of HIV-exposed uninfected infants.

RECENT FINDINGS

Maternal HIV infection is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight. In addition, an increased susceptibility to infections is reported in HIV-exposed uninfected infants compared with infants born to uninfected women. Studies have shown that HIV-exposure affects the maternal/fetal unit, with increase of proinflammatory cytokine produced by placental cells, as well as altered infant immune responses. These changes could provide the underlying conditions for negative pregnancy outcomes and facilitate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the infant. Further studies are required to understand the underlying mechanisms and investigate whether these altered infant immune responses persist and have clinical consequences beyond childhood.

SUMMARY

HIV infection in pregnant women is associated with altered immune responses in HIV-infected women and their offspring with clinical consequences for pregnancy outcome and the HIV-exposed uninfected infant. Further studies are required to address the origin and long-term consequences of prenatal HIV-exposure and subsequent immune activation for infant health.

'Essential but not always available when needed' - an interview study of physicians' experiences and views regarding use of obstetric ultrasound in Tanzania

Background

The value of obstetric ultrasound in high-income countries has been extensively explored but evidence is still lacking regarding the role of obstetric ultrasound in low-income countries.

Objective

We aimed to explore experiences and views among physicians working in obstetric care in Tanzania, on the role of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management.

Design

A qualitative study design was applied. Data were collected in 2015, through 16 individual interviews with physicians practicing in obstetric care at hospitals in an urban setting in Tanzania. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Use of obstetric ultrasound in the management of complicated pregnancy was much appreciated by participating physicians, although they expressed considerable concern about the lack of ultrasound equipment and staff able to conduct the examinations. These limitations were recognized as restricting physicians’ ability to manage complications adequately during pregnancy and birth. Better availability of ultrasound was requested to improve obstetric management. Concerns were also raised regarding pregnant women's lack of knowledge and understanding of medical issues which could make counseling in relation to obstetric ultrasound difficult. Although the physicians perceived a positive attitude toward ultrasound among most pregnant women, occasionally they came across women who feared that ultrasound might harm the fetus.

Conclusions

There seems to be a need to provide more physicians in antenatal care in Tanzania with ultrasound training to enable them to conduct obstetric ultrasound examinations and interpret the results themselves. Physicians also need to acquire adequate counseling skills as counseling can be especially challenging in this setting where many expectant parents have low levels of education. Providers of obstetric care and policy makers in Tanzania will need to take measures to ensure appropriate use of the scarce resources in the Tanzanian health care system and prevent the potential risk of overuse of ultrasound in pregnancy.

Impact of HIV-1 infection on the feto-maternal crosstalk and consequences for pregnancy outcome and infant health

Adaptation of the maternal immune system to establish maternal/fetal equilibrium is required for a successful pregnancy. Viral infections, including HIV-1 infection, can alter this maternal/fetal equilibrium, with significant consequences for pregnancy outcome, including miscarriages, impaired fetal growth, and premature delivery. Furthermore, maternal HIV-1 infection has been shown to have a long-term impact on the developing fetal immune system also when the infant is not infected with the virus. In this review, we discuss the consequences of maternal HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral therapy on pregnancy outcome and the health of the uninfected HIV-1-exposed infant.

Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight after In Utero Exposure to Antiretrovirals Initiated during Pregnancy in Yaoundé, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on birth outcomes remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of antenatal exposure to ART on the occurrence of preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study conducted at the Essos Hospital Center in Yaounde from 2008 to 2011 among HIV vertically exposed infants with two distinct maternal antiretroviral experiences: monotherapy group (Zidovudine, ZDV) and the combination ART group (cART). Mothers already receiving cART before pregnancy were ineligible. In both groups, events of PTB (<37 weeks) and LBW (<2,500g) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression; with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 760 infants, 481 were born from cART-exposed mothers against 279 from maternal-ZDV. Median maternal CD4 count was 378 [interquartile range (IQR): 253-535] cells/mm3. Median duration of ART at onset of delivery was 13 [IQR: 10-17] weeks. In the cART-group, 64.9% (312/481) of mothers were exposed to Zidovudine/Lamuvidine/Nevirapine and only 2% (9/481) were on protease inhibitor-based regimens. Events of PTB were not significantly higher in the cART-group compared to the ZDV-group (10.2% vs. 6.4% respectively, p = 0.08), while onsets of LBW were significantly found in the cART-group compared to ZDV-group (11.6% vs. 7.2% respectively, p = 0.05). Other factors (parity, maternal age at delivery or CD4 cell count) were not associated with PTB.

CONCLUSION

cART, initiated during pregnancy, would be an independent factor of LBW. In the era of option B+ (lifelong ART to all HIV-pregnant women), further studies would guide towards measures limiting onsets of LBW.

Which New Health Technologies Do We Need to Achieve an End to HIV/AIDS?

In the last 15 years, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been the most globally impactful life-saving development of medical research. Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are used with great success for both the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. Despite these remarkable advances, this epidemic grows relentlessly worldwide. Over 2.1 million new infections occur each year, two-thirds in women and 240,000 in children. The widespread elimination of HIV will require the development of new, more potent prevention tools. Such efforts are imperative on a global scale. However, it must also be recognised that true containment of the epidemic requires the development and widespread implementation of a scientific advancement that has eluded us to date--a highly effective vaccine. Striving for such medical advances is what is required to achieve the end of AIDS.

Preterm birth and fetal growth restriction in HIV-infected Brazilian pregnant women

Introduction:

Maternal HIV infection and related co-morbidities may have two outstanding consequences to fetal health: mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and adverse perinatal outcomes. After Brazilian success in reducing MTCT, the attention must now be diverted to the potentially increased risk for preterm birth (PTB) and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of PTB and IUGR in low income, antiretroviral users, publicly assisted, HIV-infected women and to verify its relation to the HIV infection stage.

Patients and Methods:

Out of 250 deliveries from HIV-infected mothers that delivered at a tertiary public university hospital in the city of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil, from November 2001 to May 2012, 74 single pregnancies were selected for study, with ultrasound validated gestational age (GA) and data on birth dimensions: fetal weight (FW), birth length (BL), head and abdominal circumferences (HC, AC). The data were extracted from clinical and pathological records, and the outcomes summarized as proportions of preterm birth (PTB, < 37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW, < 2500g) and small (SGA), adequate (AGA) and large (LGA) for GA, defined as having a value below, between or beyond the ±1.28 z/GA score, the usual clinical cut-off to demarcate the 10th and 90th percentiles.

Results:

PTB was observed in 17.5%, LBW in 20.2% and SGA FW, BL, HC and AC in 16.2%, 19.1%, 13.8%, and 17.4% respectively. The proportions in HIV-only and AIDS cases were: PTB: 5.9 versus 27.5%, LBW: 14.7% versus 25.0%, SGA BW: 17.6% versus 15.0%, BL: 6.0% versus 30.0%, HC: 9.0% versus 17.9%, and AC: 13.3% versus 21.2%; only SGA BL attained a significant difference. Out of 15 cases of LBW, eight (53.3%) were preterm only, four (26.7%) were SGA only, and three (20.0%) were both PTB and SGA cases. A concomitant presence of, at least, two SGA dimensions in the same fetus was frequent.

Conclusions:

The proportions of preterm birth and low birth weight were higher than the local and Brazilian prevalence and a trend was observed for higher proportions of SGA fetal dimensions than the expected population distribution in this small casuistry of newborn from the HIV-infected, low income, antiretroviral users, and publicly assisted pregnant women. A trend for higher prevalence of PTB, LBW and SGA fetal dimensions was also observed in infants born to mothers with AIDS compared to HIV-infected mothers without AIDS.

Perinatal outcomes associated with maternal HIV infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The HIV pandemic affects 36·9 million people worldwide, of whom 1·5 million are pregnant women. 91% of HIV-positive pregnant women reside in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that also has very poor perinatal outcomes. We aimed to establish whether untreated maternal HIV infection is associated with specific perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature by searching PubMed, CINAHL (Ebscohost), Global Health (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and four clinical trial databases (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, the ClinicalTrials.gov database, and the ISRCTN Registry) for studies published from Jan 1, 1980, to Dec 7, 2014. Two authors independently reviewed the studies retrieved by the scientific literature search, identified relevant studies, and extracted the data. We investigated the associations between maternal HIV infection in women naive to antiretroviral therapy and 11 perinatal outcomes: preterm birth, very preterm birth, low birthweight, very low birthweight, term low birthweight, preterm low birthweight, small for gestational age, very small for gestational age, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. We included prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case-control studies reporting perinatal outcomes in HIV-positive women naive to antiretroviral therapy and HIV-negative controls. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analyses of specific perinatal outcomes. We did subgroup and sensitivity analyses and assessed the effect of adjustment for confounders. This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42013005638.

FINDINGS

Of 60,750 studies identified, we obtained data from 35 studies (20 prospective cohort studies, 12 retrospective cohort studies, and three case-control studies) including 53 623 women. Our meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies show that maternal HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (relative risk 1·50, 95% CI 1·24-1·82), low birthweight (1·62, 1·41-1·86), small for gestational age (1·31, 1·14-1·51), and stillbirth (1·67, 1·05-2·66). Retrospective cohort studies also suggest an increased risk of term low birthweight (2·62, 1·15-5·93) and preterm low birthweight (3·25, 2·12-4·99). The strongest and most consistent evidence for these associations is identified in sub-Saharan Africa. No association was identified between maternal HIV infection and very preterm birth, very small for gestational age, very low birthweight, miscarriage, or neonatal death, although few data were available for these outcomes. Correction for confounders did not affect the significance of these findings.

INTERPRETATION

Maternal HIV infection in women who have not received antiretroviral therapy is associated with preterm birth, low birthweight, small for gestational age, and stillbirth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Research is needed to assess how antiretroviral therapy regimens affect these perinatal outcomes.

FUNDING

None.

Association between maternal HIV infection and low birth weight and prematurity: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

To assess the association between maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and low birth weight (LBW)/prematurity (PTD), we conducted a meta-analysis of cohort studies of HIV infected and uninfected women.

METHODS

Several English and Chinese databases were searched (updated to May 2015) to find the studies reporting infant outcomes associated with exposure to maternal HIV infection during pregnancy. Relevant articles were manually selected based on several inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Fifty-two cohort studies including 15,538 (for LBW) and 200,896 (for PTD) HIV infected women met the inclusion criteria. There was significant heterogeneity among studies for maternal HIV infection associated with LBW/PTD (I(2) = 71.7%, P < 0.05, and I(2) = 51.8%, P < 0.05 for LBW and PTD, respectively). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the maternal HIV infection was significantly associated with both LBW (pooled odds ratio (OR): 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64, 1.82, P < 0.001) and PTD (pooled OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.49, 1.63, P < 0.001). No significant difference in the relationship between maternal HIV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes was detected among the groups of different study periods. HIV infected women were at slightly higher risk of LBW in developing countries compared with women in developed countries (OR: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.81, 2.48) vs. 1.75 (95% CI: 1.44, 2.12)). Antiretroviral drugs usage did not significantly change the associations of maternal HIV exposure with LBW and PTD.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infected women were at higher risk of having a low birth weight infant or a preterm delivery infant compared with uninfected women. Such associations did not change significantly over time or were not significantly affected by the usage of antiretroviral drugs.

Characteristics and mortality of neonates in an emergency obstetric and neonatal care facility, rural Burundi

SETTING

A Médecins Sans Frontières emergency obstetric and neonatal care facility specialising as a referral centre for three districts for women with complications during pregnancy or delivery in rural Burundi.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics and in-facility mortality rates of neonates born in 2011.

DESIGN

Descriptive study involving a retrospective review of routinely collected facility data.

RESULTS

Of 2285 women who delivered, the main complications were prolonged labour 331 (14%), arrested labour 238 (10%), previous uterine intervention 203 (9%), breech 171 (8%) and multiple gestations 150 (7%). There were 175 stillbirths and 2110 live neonates, of whom 515 (24%) were of low birth weight, 963 (46%) were delivered through caesarean section and 267 (13%) required active birth resuscitation. Overall, there were 102 (5%) neonatal deaths. A total of 453 (21%) neonates were admitted to dedicated neonatal special services for sick and low birth weight babies. A high proportion of these neonates were delivered by caesarean section and needed active birth resuscitation. Of 67 (15%) neonatal deaths in special services, 85% were due to conditions linked to low birth weight and birth asphyxia.

CONCLUSION

Among neonates born to women with complications during pregnancy or delivery, in-facility deaths due to low birth weight and birth asphyxia were considerable. Sustained attention is needed to reduce these mortality rates.

Morbidity and mortality in HIV-exposed uninfected children

Approximately 1.5 million HIV-positive women become pregnant annually. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is central to prevention of mother-to-child transmission and maternal ART continued postpartum allows breastfeeding for at least 1 year of life, with important benefits for the child. In the pre-ART era, it was suggested that HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children may be at higher morbidity and mortality risk than children of HIV-negative mothers, associated with maternal illness and death and the lack, or limited duration, of breastfeeding as recommended for preventing mother-to-child transmission at that time. This review summarizes the evidence on morbidity and mortality risk in HEU children compared with HIV-unexposed children, and assesses the likely impact of roll-out of ART, which prolongs maternal survival and allows breastfeeding.

Pregnancy outcomes in HIV-positive women in Ukraine, 2000-12 (European Collaborative Study in EuroCoord): an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Women living with HIV are potentially at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, due to a range of factors, including immunosuppression, use of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), and injecting drug use. Rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ukraine have declined to around 2-4%, but little is known about other pregnancy outcomes in this setting. We used data from an observational prospective cohort study to assess pregnancy outcomes among HIV-positive women in Ukraine.

METHODS

The European Collaborative Study (ECS) in EuroCoord is a continuing cohort study, established in Ukraine in 2000. Eligible women are those with a diagnosis of HIV infection before or during pregnancy (including intrapartum) who deliver liveborn babies at seven sites. Maternal sociodemographic, HIV-related, and delivery (mother and infant) data were collected with study-specific questionnaires. We used Poisson regression models to identify factors associated with preterm delivery (before 37 weeks' gestation) and small weight for gestational age (less than the tenth percentile of weight for gestational age), based on complete cases.

FINDINGS

Between January, 2000, and July, 2012, data were collected on 8884 HIV-positive mother and liveborn infant pairs. Median maternal age was 26·5 years (IQR 23·1-30·3). 832 (11%) women had WHO stage 3 or 4 HIV and 1474 (17%) had a history of injecting drug use. 7348 (83%) had received antenatal ART. Among 7435 for whom ART type was available, 4396 (50%) had received zidovudine monotherapy and 2949 (33%) combination ART. Preterm delivery was seen in 780 (9%, 95% CI 8-9) of 8860 births overall and in 77 (9%, 7-11) of 889 babies with small size for gestational age. Factors associated with preterm delivery were history of injecting drug use (adjusted risk ratio 1·64, 95% CI 1·38-1·95), no ART (2·94, 2·43-3·57 vs zidovudine monotherapy), antenatal combination ART (1·40, 1·14-1·73 vs zidovudine monotherapy), WHO stage 4 HIV (2·42, 1·71-3·41 vs WHO stage 1), and being in the most socially deprived group (1·38, 1·11-1·71). Small size for gestational age was associated with history of injecting drug use (adjusted RR 1·39, 95% CI 1·16-1·65), most socially deprived (1·32, 1·09-1·61), no ART (1·60, 1·32-1·94 vs zidovudine monotherapy), and antenatal combination ART (1·33, 1·12-1·60 vs zidovudine monotherapy).

INTERPRETATION

Some risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes were directly associated with HIV and treatment and others were shared with the general antenatal population. Monitoring of pregnancy outcomes in Ukraine will be important as use of antenatal combination ART increases.

FUNDING

European Union Seventh Framework Programme, Wellcome Trust.

Risk Factors for Low Birthweight in Zimbabwean Women: A Secondary Data Analysis

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) remains the main cause of mortality and morbidity in infants, and a problem in the care of pregnant women world-wide particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to describe the socio-demographic, nutritional, reproductive, medical and obstetrical risk factors for delivering a live LBW infant at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe.

Methods

A secondary data analysis from data obtained through a questionnaire and delivery records was conducted. Linear regression models with a complimentary log-log link function were used to estimate the relative risks for all LBW, term LBW and preterm LBW.

Results

The frequency of LBW was 16.7%. Lack of prenatal care (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.69, 95% CI 1.44, 1.98), mother’s mid-arm circumference below 28.5 cm, (ARR 1.35, 95% CI 1.19, 1.54) and rural residence (ARR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04, 1.40) increased the risk of LBW. Eclampsia, anemia, and ante-partum hemorrhage, were associated with LBW (ARR 2.64, 95% CI 1.30, 5.35; ARR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.16, 5.97; and ARR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.55, 3.68), respectively. Malaria increased the risk of LBW (ARR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.21, 2.96). Prenatal care, infant sex, anemia, antepartum hemorrhage, premature rapture of membranes and preterm labor were associated with the three LBW categories. History of abortion or stillbirth, history of LBW, malaria, eclampsia, and placenta Previa, were associated with all LBW and preterm LBW, while pregnancy induced hypertension, and number of children alive were associated with all LBW and term LBW.

Conclusions

LBW frequency remains high and is associated with nutritive, reproductive, medical and obstetrical factors. Preterm LBW and term LBW have similar and also different risk factors. Understanding the role of different risk factors in these different LBW categories is important if the goal is to reduce LBW frequency, and its complications, in Zimbabwe.

Management and outcomes of pregnancies among women with HIV in Oxford, UK, in 2008-2012

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the management and outcomes of pregnancies among women with HIV infection.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of pregnant women with HIV who delivered at one center in the UK in 2008-2012. Case notes were reviewed and detailed information extracted regarding obstetric and virological management.

RESULTS

Overall, 61 pregnancies were included; 43% (26/60) were unplanned and 39% (22/57) booked late. HIV infection was diagnosed during pregnancy for 32% (19/60); 71% (12/17) were diagnosed after the first trimester. At booking, 47% of women (28/60) were not on treatment, all but one of whom commenced treatment, either for maternal reasons (CD4 count <350 cells per mm(3); 48% [13/27]) or prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (52% [14/27]). Viral load was high (>50 copies per mL) at delivery for 13% of women (8/61). Delivery was by cesarean for 74% [45/61]. One neonate was diagnosed with HIV infection. There were 6 (10%) preterm births, 9 (15%) cases of low birth weight, 11 (18%) small-for-gestational-age neonates, and 1 (2%) stillbirth.

CONCLUSION

Better pregnancy planning, earlier booking and HIV diagnosis, and optimal antiretroviral treatment should increase the proportion of women with a low viral load (<50 copies per mL) at delivery, lead to more vaginal deliveries, and further reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Tolerance of the newborn to antiretroviral drug exposure in utero

INTRODUCTION

The prevention of mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission by antiretroviral drug treatment is remarkably effective. The risk of transmission to the child is now almost zero for women optimally treated during pregnancy. The rapid expansion of this prophylactic treatment has led the World Health Organization to aspire to the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission and pediatric AIDS over the next few years. In 2014, more than 900,000 women worldwide were treated with antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. The issue of fetal and neonatal antiretroviral drug tolerance is therefore extremely important.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the possible impact of in utero exposure to antiretroviral drug on newborn health. To restrict analysis to this period is justified by the specificities of transplacental drug exposure and fetal vulnerability. Relevant data are available from trials and observational cohorts. The significance of various bio-markers detectable at birth is still unresolved, but merits a careful evaluation. Long-term assessment is associated with various logistical difficulties.

EXPERT OPINION

The health of 'exposed but not infected' children poses no major problem in the immense majority of cases, but a series of biological, clinical and imaging-based warning signs have emerged indicating the need for careful attention to be paid to this issue. Some effects that are straightforward to manage in industrialized countries may have more severe consequences in countries in which access to effective healthcare is limited. Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs are potentially genotoxic to mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, and the principal question to be addressed concerns their potential long-term effects.

Antiretroviral Therapy and Pregnancy Outcomes in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Despite significant efforts to understand adverse pregnancy outcome in women receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), ART-related adverse birth outcomes are still poorly understood. We systematically review ART-related adverse birth outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women; we also review the covariates associated with adverse birth outcomes in the aforementioned group.

METHODS

The main source for our systematic review was electronic bibliographic databases. Databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and AIDSLINE were searched. Furthermore, search engines such as Google and Google Scholar were specifically searched for gray literature. Methodological quality of available literature was assessed using the Newcastle - Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale & M. Hewitt guideline. We examined a total of 1,124 papers and reviewed the studies using the PICOT criteria which stands for Patient (population), Intervention (or "Exposure"), Comparison, Outcome and Type of study. Finally, 32 methodologically fit studies were retained and included in our review.

RESULTS

Frequently observed adverse birth outcomes included low birth weight (LBW), Preterm Birth (PB), Small for Gestational Age (SGA), while still birth and congenital anomalies were infrequent. Type of regimen such as Protease Inhibitor (PI) based regimens and timing of initiation of ART are some of the factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Covariates principally included malnutrition and other co-morbidities such as malaria and HIV.

CONCLUSIONS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

There is growing evidence in published literature suggesting that ART might be causing adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women in developing countries. There is a need to consider regimen types for HIV-infected pregnant women. There is need to design large cohort studies.

Risk Factors for Preterm Birth among HIV-Infected Tanzanian Women: A Prospective Study

Premature delivery, a significant cause of child mortality and morbidity worldwide, is particularly prevalent in the developing world. As HIV is highly prevalent in much of sub-Saharan Africa, it is important to determine risk factors for prematurity among HIV-positive pregnancies. The aims of this study were to identify risk factors of preterm (<37 weeks) and very preterm (<34 weeks) birth among a cohort of 927 HIV positive women living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who enrolled in the Tanzania Vitamin and HIV Infection Trial between 1995 and 1997. Multivariable relative risk regression models were used to determine the association of potential maternal risk factors with premature and very premature delivery. High rates of preterm (24%) and very preterm birth (9%) were found. Risk factors (adjusted RR (95% CI)) for preterm birth were mother <20 years (1.46 (1.10, 1.95)), maternal illiteracy (1.54 (1.10, 2.16)), malaria (1.42 (1.11, 1.81)), Entamoeba coli (1.49 (1.04, 2.15)), no or low pregnancy weight gain, and HIV disease stage ≥2 (1.41 (1.12, 1.50)). Interventions to reduce pregnancies in women under 20, prevent and treat malaria, reduce Entamoeba coli infection, and promote weight gain in pregnant women may have a protective effect on prematurity.

Risk of intrauterine growth restriction among HIV-infected pregnant women: a cohort study

The purpose of this investigation was to study the risk of intrauterine growth restriction in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women and to describe the associated risk factors. A cohort study was performed among HIV-infected women who delivered in a single tertiary centre in Barcelona, Spain, from January 2006 to December 2011. Consecutive singleton pregnancies delivered beyond 22 weeks of pregnancy were included. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was defined as a birth weight below the 10th customised centile for gestational age and IUGR babies were compared to non-IUGR newborns. Intrauterine Doppler findings were described among IUGR foetuses. Baseline characteristics, HIV infection data and perinatal outcome were compared between groups. The results were adjusted for potential confounders. A total of 156 singleton pregnancies were included. IUGR occurred in 23.4 % of cases (38/156). In two-thirds of the cases detected before birth, Doppler abnormalities compatible with placental insufficiency were observed. IUGR pregnancies presented a worse perinatal outcome, mainly due to a higher risk of iatrogenic preterm delivery [adjusted odds ratio 6.9, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.4-33.5]. IUGR foetuses also had a higher risk of emergent Caesarean section and neonatal intensive care unit admission. No cases of intrauterine foetal death occurred. A high rate of IUGR was observed among HIV pregnancies, and it was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, mainly iatrogenic preterm and very preterm birth due to placental insufficiency. Our results support that ultrasound detection and follow-up of IUGR foetuses should be part of routine antenatal care in this high-risk population to improve antenatal management.