Increasing trend of Cesarean deliveries in HIV-infected women in the United States from 1994 to 2000

Clinical Trials That Have Changed Clinical Practice and Care of Pregnant People With HIV

Over the last 4 decades, significant advances in the care of HIV during pregnancy have successfully reduced, and nearly eliminated, the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. The baseline risk of transmission without intervention (25% to 30%) is now <1% to 2% in the United States with contemporary antepartum, intrapartum, and postnatal interventions. In this review, we discuss 3 landmark clinical trials that substantially altered obstetric practice for pregnant individuals with HIV and contributed to this extraordinary achievement: 1) the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group 076 Trial determined that antepartum and intrapartum administration of antiretroviral drug zidovudine to the pregnant individual, and postnatally to the newborn, could reduce the risk of perinatal transmission by approximately two-thirds; 2) the European Mode of Delivery Collaboration Trial demonstrated performance of a prelabor cesarean birth before rupture of membranes among pregnant people with viremia reduced the risk of perinatal transmission compared with vaginal birth; and 3) the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network 2010 Trial identified that dolutegravir-containing, compared with efavirenz-containing, antiretroviral regimens during pregnancy achieved a significantly higher rate of viral suppression at delivery with shorter time to viral suppression, with fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes. Collectively, these trials not only advanced obstetric practice but also advanced scientific understanding of the timing, mechanisms, and determinants of perinatal HIV transmission. For each trial, we will describe key aspects of the study protocol and outcomes, insights gleaned about the dynamics of perinatal transmission, how each study changed clinical practice, and relevant updates to current practice since the trial's publication.

Impact of human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, and tuberculosis on adverse pregnancy outcomes in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To compare rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria-infected patients in the United States with those of uninfected patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A nationally representative sample of 24,149,664 singleton live births were identified using pregnancy hospitalizations that resulted in delivery between 1998-2000 and 2009-2011 in this retrospective cohort study. Maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 7204 HIV cases, 1450 TB cases, and 296 malaria cases over the two time periods, and the average age of infected subjects was 28.3. The HIV group was more likely to have almost all adverse pregnancy outcomes than the control group in both time periods. The 2009-2011 HIV group was more likely to undergo cesarean delivery than the 1998-2000 HIV group [1959 versus 1649, p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

Out of pregnant women infected with HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis, those infected with HIV are more likely to experience several adverse pregnancy outcomes than uninfected women.

Changing Patterns and Factors Associated With Mode of Delivery Among Pregnant Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To describe patterns and factors associated with mode of delivery among pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States in relation to evolving HIV-in-pregnancy guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of two observational studies, Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group and International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network Protocol P1025, which enrolled pregnant women with HIV infection from 1998 to 2013 at more than 60 U.S. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome clinical research sites. Multivariable analyses of factors associated with an HIV-indicated cesarean delivery (ie, for prevention of mother-to-child transmission) compared with other indications were conducted and compared according to prespecified time periods of evolving HIV-in-pregnancy guidelines: 1998-1999, 2000-2008, and 2009-2013.

RESULTS

Among 6,444 pregnant women with HIV infection, 21% delivered in 1998-1999, 58% in 2000-2008, and 21% in 2009-2013; 3,025 (47%) delivered by cesarean. Cesarean delivery increased from 30% in 1998 to 48% in 2013. Of all cesarean deliveries, repeat cesarean deliveries increased from 16% in 1998 to 42% in 2013; HIV-indicated cesarean deliveries peaked at 48% in 2004 and then dropped to 12% by 2013. In multivariable analyses, an HIV diagnosis during pregnancy, initiation of antiretroviral therapy in the third trimester, a plasma viral load 500 copies/mL or greater, and delivery between 37 and 40 weeks of gestation increased the likelihood of an HIV-indicated cesarean delivery. In analyses by time period, an HIV diagnosis during pregnancy, initiation of antiretroviral therapy in the third trimester, and a plasma viral load of 500 copies/mL or greater were progressively more likely to be associated with an HIV-indicated cesarean delivery over time.

CONCLUSION

Almost 50% of pregnant women with HIV infection underwent cesarean delivery. Over time, the rate of repeat cesarean deliveries increased, whereas the rate of HIV-indicated cesarean deliveries decreased; cesarean deliveries were more likely to be performed in women at high risk of mother-to-child transmission. These findings reinforce the need for both early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection in pregnancy and the option of vaginal delivery after cesarean among pregnant women with HIV infection.

Complications and Route of Delivery in a Large Cohort Study of HIV-1-Infected Women-IMPAACT P1025

OBJECTIVE

To investigate complications of cesarean section in a cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women.

METHODS

IMPAACT P1025 is a prospective cohort study of HIV-1-infected women and infants, enrolled 2002-2013, at clinical sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. Demographic, medical, and obstetric data were collected and analyzed including cesarean indications. The delivery route was categorized as elective cesarean (ECS) (before labor and <5 minutes before membrane rupture), nonelective cesarean (NECS) (all other cesareans) or vaginal delivery. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between delivery route and maternal intrapartum/postpartum morbidities. Composite morbidity of vaginal delivery was compared with ECS and NECS.

RESULTS

This study included 2297 women. Of note, 99% used antiretroviral medication and 89% were on a combination antiretroviral therapy regimen; 84% had a HIV-1 viral load ≤400 copies per milliliter before delivery; 46% (1055) delivered vaginally, 35% (798) by ECS, and 19% (444) by NECS. Although interruption of HIV-1 infection was the second most frequent indication for cesarean after repeat cesarean, it decreased as an indication over time. There were no delivery-related maternal mortalities. Overall, 19% of women had ≥1 complication(s)-primarily wound complications (14%) or other infections (11%). Vaginal delivery had the lowest complication rate (13%), followed by ECS (23%), and highest NECS (28%) with an overall P < 0.001. HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission rates were low and did not differ by delivery mode group.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV interruption as cesarean indicator declined during the study. Morbidity was more common in HIV-infected women delivering by NECS than ECS and lowest with vaginal delivery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prenatal and Postnatal Studies of Interventions for Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00028145?term=impaact+1025&rank=2 NCT00028145.

Maternal CD4+ microchimerism in HIV-exposed newborns after spontaneous vaginal delivery or caesarean section

BACKGROUND

Maternal CD4+ cell microchimerism may be greater after caesarean section compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery and could cause mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in HIV-exposed newborns.

AIMS

To evaluate maternal CD4+ cell microchimerism in HIV-exposed newborns after spontaneous vaginal delivery or caesarean section.

STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

In this prospective single-centre study, neonates whose mothers were infected with HIV and had normal MTCT risk according to the German Austrian Guidelines were considered for study enrolment. Maternal CD4+ cell microchimerism in the newborns' umbilical cord blood was measured and compared by mode of delivery.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven HIV-infected mothers and their 39 newborns were included in the study. None of the 17 (0.0%) newborns delivered vaginally had quantifiable maternal CD4+ cells (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.00-0.00) in their circulation at birth compared with four of 16 (25.0%) newborns delivered via planned caesarean section, who showed 0.01-0.66% maternal cells (95% CI: -0.06-0.16; P=0.02) in their circulation. The intention to treat analysis, which included six additional newborns delivered by unplanned caesarean section, showed quantifiable maternal CD4+ cells in one (0.05%; 95% CI: -0.02-0.04) of 23 (4.3%) newborn at birth compared to four of 16 (25.0%) born via planned caesarean section (95% CI: -0.06-0.16; P=0.04). There was no MTCT in any of the newborns.

CONCLUSION

In this small cohort, spontaneous vaginal delivery in HIV-infected women with normal MTCT risk was associated with lower maternal CD4+ cell transfer to newborns compared to planned caesarean section.

Complications of cesarean deliveries among HIV-infected women in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To compare rates of complications associated with cesarean delivery in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women in the United States and to investigate trends in such complications across four study cycles spanning the implementation of HAART in the United States (1995-1996, 2000-2001, 2005-2006, 2010-2011).

DESIGN

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project is the largest all-payer hospital inpatient care database in the United States; when weighted to account for the complex sampling design, nationally representative estimates are derived. After restricting the study sample to women aged 15-49 years, our study sample consisted of approximately 1 090 000 cesarean delivery hospitalizations annually.

METHODS

Complications associated with cesarean deliveries were categorized as infection, hemorrhage, or surgical trauma, based on groups of specific International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes. Length of hospitalization, hospital charges, and in-hospital deaths were also examined.

RESULTS

The rate of complications significantly decreased during the study periods for HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. However, rates of infectious complications and surgical trauma associated with cesarean deliveries remained higher among HIV-infected, compared with HIV-uninfected women in 2010-2011, as did prolonged hospital stay and in-hospital deaths. Length of hospitalization decreased over time for cesarean deliveries of HIV-infected women to a greater extent compared with HIV-uninfected women.

CONCLUSION

In the United States, rates of cesarean delivery complications decreased from 1995 to 2011. However, rates of infection, surgical trauma, hospital deaths, and prolonged hospitalization are still higher among HIV-infected women. Clinicians should remain alert to this persistently increased risk of cesarean delivery complications among HIV-infected women.

Mode of delivery and neonatal respiratory morbidity among HIV-exposed newborns in Latin America and the Caribbean: NISDI Perinatal-LILAC Studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate respiratory morbidity (RM) in HIV-exposed newborns according to mode of delivery.

METHODS

The NISDI Perinatal/LILAC prospective cohort studies enrolled HIV-infected pregnant women and their newborns in Latin America and the Caribbean. Associations between RM and delivery mode or other characteristics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between September 2002 and December 2009, 1630 women were enrolled, and 1443 mother-infant pairs met the inclusion criteria. There were 561 vaginal (VD), 269 cesarean before labor and membrane rupture (SCS) for preventing mother-to-child transmission (SCS-PMTCT), 248 other SCS, and 365 cesarean after labor and/or ruptured membranes (NSCS) deliveries. In total, 108 (7.5%) newborns had RM: 49 had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), 39 had transient tachypnea (TTN), and 28 had other events (7 newborns had >1 RM event). Delivery mode was associated with RDS (P<0.005) and TTN (P<0.001). The proportion with RDS and TTN was lowest for VD (1.6% and 0.5%, respectively), highest for NSCS (4.9% and 4.7%), and intermediate for SCS-PMTCT (3.0% and 2.6%). Newborns with RDS or TTN were hospitalized longer (median +1day) than those without. A minority required ventilatory support (RDS, 24.5%-28.6%; TTN, 2.6%-15.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

SCS-PMTCT is relatively safe for newborns of HIV-infected women.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1: the role of cesarean delivery

The risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV can be reduced through cesarean delivery prior to the onset of labor and prior to rupture of the membranes (elective cesarean delivery [ECD]). As a result of this evidence, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Treatment of HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission developed guidelines recommending ECD for HIV-infected women with plasma viral loads of more than 1000 copies/mL. Since the release of the recommendations, an increase in ECD has been seen among HIV-infected women in the United States. This article discusses the evidence on efficacy of ECD, current recommendations in the United States, and risks and morbidity related to ECD. Although the benefit of ECD in preventing MTCT of HIV is substantial, some questions remain. Specifically, the benefit of ECD for women with very low viral loads or for women using combination antiretroviral regimens is unclear, as is the timeframe after onset of labor or rupture of membranes within which ECD will still confer preventive benefits.

Antiretroviral therapy and preterm delivery-a pooled analysis of data from the United States and Europe

OBJECTIVE

 To investigate reported differences in the association between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery among HIV-infected women.

DESIGN

  Combined analysis of data from three observational studies.

SETTING

 USA and Europe.

POPULATION

  A total of 19, 585 singleton infants born to HIV-infected women, 1990-2006.

METHODS

  Data from the Pediatric Spectrum of HIV Disease project (PSD), a US monitoring study, the European Collaborative Study (ECS), a consented cohort study, and the National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC), the United Kingdom and Ireland surveillance study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

  Preterm delivery rate (<37 weeks of gestation).

RESULTS

  Compared with monotherapy, HAART was associated with increased preterm delivery risk in the ECS (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.40, 95% CI 1.49-3.86) and NSHPC (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.86), but not in the PSD (AOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.67-1.26), after adjusting for relevant covariates. Because of heterogeneity, data were not pooled for this comparison, but heterogeneity disappeared when HAART was compared with dual therapy (P = 0.26). In a pooled analysis, HAART was associated with 1.5-fold increased odds of preterm delivery compared with dual therapy (95% CI 1.19-1.87, P=0.001), after adjusting for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

  Heterogeneity in the association between HAART and preterm delivery was not explained by study design, adjustment for confounders or a standard analytical approach, but may have been the result of substantial differences in populations and data collected. The pooled analysis comparing HAART with dual therapy showed an increased risk of preterm delivery associated with HAART.

Mode of delivery and infant respiratory morbidity among infants born to HIV-1-infected women

OBJECTIVE

To estimate risk of infant respiratory morbidity associated with cesarean delivery before labor and ruptured membranes among HIV-1-infected women.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study of HIV-1-infected women and their infants, mode of delivery was determined by clinicians at the participating sites. For this analysis, "elective cesarean delivery" was defined as any cesarean delivery, regardless of gestational age, without labor and with duration of ruptured membranes of less than 5 minutes. Nonelective cesarean deliveries were those performed after the onset of labor, rupture of membranes, or both. Vaginal delivery included normal spontaneous and instrument deliveries. Associations between mode of delivery and infant respiratory morbidity were assessed using chi or Fisher's exact test. Adjusted odds of respiratory distress syndrome by delivery mode were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 1,194 mother-infant pairs, there were significant differences according to mode of delivery in median gestational age (weeks) at delivery (vaginal, n=566, median=38.8; nonelective cesarean, n=216, median=38.0; and elective cesarean, n=412, median 38.1; P<.001) and incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (vaginal, n=9, 1.6%, reference; nonelective cesarean, n=16, 7.4%; elective cesarean, n=18; 4.4%; (P<.001). In analyses adjusted for gestational age and birth weight, mode of delivery was not statistically significantly associated with infant respiratory distress syndrome (P=.10), although a trend toward an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome among infants delivered by cesarean was suggested (nonelective cesarean adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95-5.67; elective cesarean OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.01-6.48).

CONCLUSION

Respiratory distress syndrome rates associated with elective cesarean delivery among HIV-1-infected women are low, comparable with published rates among uninfected women. There is minimal neonatal respiratory morbidity risk in near-term infants born by elective cesarean delivery to HIV-1-infected women.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Correlates of prenatal HIV testing in women with undocumented status at delivery

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with prenatal HIV testing in women who accepted rapid testing at delivery.

METHODS

The mother-infant rapid intervention at delivery (MIRIAD) protocol offered counseling and voluntary HIV testing in six US cities including New York City (NYC). These hospitals are required to document the HIV status of pregnant women or their infants. From January 2002 to January 2005, 653 HIV-negative women were interviewed post-partum.

RESULTS

63% of women reported prior HIV testing during the index pregnancy, although their results were not available at delivery. Multivariate logistic modeling identified receipt of prenatal care and delivery in NYC as being associated with having been offered prenatal HIV testing. In a model restricted to women receiving medical care, emergency department (ED) use and delivery outside of NYC were associated with not having been offered testing. In a model restricted to women who were offered prenatal testing, acceptance was associated with delivery outside of NYC.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved documentation of prenatal test results, expanded prenatal testing in non-traditional settings like EDs, and routine voluntary "opt-out" testing during pregnancy may further reduce perinatal HIV transmission.

Cesarean delivery for HIV-infected women: recommendations and controversies

Two studies that were published in 1999 demonstrated that cesarean delivery before labor and before the rupture of membranes (elective cesarean delivery) reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). On the basis of these results, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the US Public Health Service recommend that HIV-infected pregnant women with plasma viral loads of >1000 copies per milliliter be counseled regarding the benefits of elective cesarean delivery. Since the release of these guidelines, the cesarean delivery rate among HIV-infected women in the United States has increased dramatically. Major postpartum morbidity is uncommon, and cesarean delivery among HIV-infected women is relatively safe and cost-effective. However, a number of important questions remain unanswered, including whether cesarean delivery has a role among HIV-infected women with low plasma viral loads or who receive combination antiretroviral regimens.

Perioperative morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus infected women undergoing cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women have a higher rate of postcesarean morbidity and mortality compared with women without HIV infection.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed of women with singleton gestations undergoing cesarean delivery with known HIV status. Data were collected as part of a prospective 4-year (1999-2002) observational study and analyzed using logistic regression. Women were surveyed for a large number of intraoperative complications, common perioperative morbidities, and uncommon maternal complications.

RESULTS

There were 378 HIV-infected and 54,281 uninfected women who met criteria. Patients infected with HIV were more likely to have postpartum endometritis (11.6% compared with 5.8%, P<.001), require a postpartum blood transfusion (4.0% compared with 2.0%, P=.02), develop maternal sepsis (1.1% compared with 0.2%, P<.001), be treated for pneumonia (1.3% compared with 0.3%, P=.001), and to have a maternal death (0.8% compared with 0.1%, P<.001). After controlling for potential confounders, patients with HIV infection were more likely to have one or more postpartum morbidities (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2-2.2).

CONCLUSION

Women with HIV infection undergoing cesarean delivery are at increased risk for perioperative morbidity and maternal mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Postpartum morbidity associated with advanced HIV disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the postpartum morbidity and postpartum management of febrile morbidity associated with advanced HIV infection.

METHODS

A case control study of HIV infected women at a tertiary care center during January 2000-June 2005 was performed. Postpartum morbidity was defined as endometritis, blood transfusion, wound complication, readmission, infectious morbidity, or unexpected surgery.

RESULTS

Women in Group 1 had AIDS (N=33), Group 2 were relatively immunocompetent HIV infected women (N=115), and Group 3 were uninfected women (N=152). Group 1 was more likely to have a postpartum morbidity (32.3 versus 19.3 and 13.2%, P=.03) and to have postpartum imaging 18.8 versus 7.9 and 2.6%, P=.002. After controlling for potential confounders, cesarean delivery (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.1-505.5) but not advanced HIV disease was associated with an increased risk of postpartum morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Cesarean delivery and not advanced HIV disease increases the risk of postpartum morbidity in women with AIDS.

Characteristics and management of HIV-1-infected pregnant women enrolled in a randomised trial: differences between Europe and the USA

BACKGROUND

Rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 (MTCT) have historically been lower in European than in American cohort studies, possibly due to differences in population characteristics. The Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol (PACTG) 316 trial evaluated the effectiveness of the addition of intrapartum/neonatal nevirapine in reducing MTCT in women already receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis. Participation of large numbers of pregnant HIV-infected women from the US and Western Europe enrolling in the same clinical trial provided the opportunity to identify and explore differences in their characteristics and in the use of non-study interventions to reduce MTCT.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis, 1350 women were categorized according to enrollment in centres in the USA (n = 978) or in Europe (n = 372). Factors associated with receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy and with elective caesarean delivery were identified with logistic regression.

RESULTS

In Europe, women enrolled were more likely to be white and those of black race were mainly born in Sub-Saharan Africa. Women in the US were younger and more likely to have previous pregnancies and miscarriages and a history of sexually transmitted infections. More than 90% of women did not report symptoms of their HIV infection; however, more women from the US had symptoms (8%), compared to women from Europe (4%). Women in the US were less likely to have HIV RNA levels <400 copies/ml at delivery than women enrolling in Europe, and more likely to receive highly active antiretroviral therapy, and to start therapy earlier in pregnancy. The elective caesarean delivery rate in Europe was 61%, significantly higher than that in the US (22%). Overall, 1.48% of infants were infected and there was no significant difference in the rate of transmission between Europe and the US despite the different approaches to treatment and delivery.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm that there are important historical differences between the HIV-infected pregnant populations in Western Europe and the USA, both in terms of the characteristics of the women and their obstetric and therapeutic management. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy predominates in pregnancy in both settings now, population differences are likely to remain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00000869.

Declines in low birth weight and preterm birth among infants who were born to HIV-infected women during an era of increased use of maternal antiretroviral drugs: Pediatric Spectrum of HIV Disease, 1989-2004

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to determine trends in low birth weight and preterm birth among US infants born to HIV-infected women.

METHODS

We used data from the longitudinal Pediatric Spectrum of HIV Disease, a large HIV cohort, to assess trends in low birth weight and preterm birth from 1989 to 2004 among 11,321 study infants. Among women with prenatal care, we also assessed risk factors, including maternal antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy, that were predictive of low birth weight and preterm birth using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 11,231 of 14,464 infants who were enrolled in Pediatric Spectrum of HIV Disease were tested during the neonatal period. From 1989 to 2004, testing increased from 32% to 97%. The proportion of HIV-exposed infants who had low birth weight decreased from 35% to 21% and occurred in all racial/ethnic groups. Prevalence of preterm birth decreased from 35% to 22% and occurred in all groups. Any maternal antiretroviral therapy use increased from 2% to 84%. Among 8793 women who had prenatal care, low birth weight was associated with a history of illicit maternal drug use, unknown maternal HIV status before delivery, symptomatic maternal HIV disease, black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and infant HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy or lack of it was not associated with low birth weight. Among women with prenatal care, preterm birth was associated with a history of illicit maternal drug use, symptomatic maternal HIV disease, no antiretroviral therapy, receipt of a 3-drug highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen with protease inhibitors, black race, and infant HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of infants who had low birth weight or were born preterm declined during an era of increased maternal antiretroviral therapies. These Pediatric Spectrum of HIV Disease trends differ from the overall increases in both outcomes among the US population.

Mode of delivery and postpartum HIV-1 disease progression: the Women and Infants Transmission Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between mode of delivery and subsequent maternal HIV-1 disease progression.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Changes in CD4+ lymphocyte percentage (CD4%) and plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration (HIV RNA), and time to progression to AIDS or death among HIV-1-infected women were compared according to mode of delivery [cesarean section before labor and ruptured membranes (SCS), cesarean section after labor and/or after ruptured membranes (NSCS), and vaginal delivery]. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare changes in adjusted mean CD4% and HIV RNA counts by mode of delivery. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess differences in time to AIDS or death.

RESULTS

In adjusted analyses, there were no clinically important differences in HIV-1 disease progression according to mode of delivery (SCS, n = 183; NSCS, n = 221; vaginal, n = 1087), as assessed by changes in CD4% and HIV RNA during the 18 months following delivery, and by progression to AIDS or death during a mean postpartum follow-up of 2.66 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that, among HIV-1-infected women in North America, mode of delivery is not associated with subsequent HIV-1 disease progression.

[Protective and risk factors related to vertical transmission of the HIV-1]

This study aimed to evaluate maternal and fetal factors related to vertical transmission of HIV-1. Participants included 47 mother-child pairs. Behavioral, demographic, and obstetric data were obtained through interviews. Data related to delivery and newborns were collected from registries in the maternity hospitals. During the third trimester of pregnancy, CD4+ T lymphocytes and maternal viral load were measured. Mean age of the mothers was 25 years and 23.4% of the pregnant women were primigravidae. The most prevalent behavioral factor was lack of condom use. 48.9% of the women presented a CD4+ count greater than 500 cells/mm3, and 93.6% belonged to clinical category A. 95.7% of the women received zidovudine prophylaxis during pregnancy or childbirth, and the medication was also administered to all the neonates. 50.0% of patients were submitted to elective cesareans. Despite several risk and protective factors, none of the children was infected. Vertical transmission is an outcome of an imbalance among factors, with a predominance of risk over protective factors.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Infection in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND

Very low rates of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are achievable with use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We examine risk factors for MTCT in the HAART era and describe infants who were vertically infected, despite exposure to prophylactic MTCT interventions.

METHODS

Of the 4525 mother-child pairs in this prospective cohort study, 1983 were enrolled during the period of January 1997 through May 2004. Factors examined included use of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy, maternal CD4 cell count and HIV RNA level, mode of delivery, and gestational age in logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Receipt of antenatal antiretroviral therapy increased from 5% at the start of the HAART era to 92% in 2001-2003. The overall MTCT rate in this period was 2.87% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11%-3.81%), but it was 0.99% (95% CI, 0.32%-2.30%) during 2001-2003. In logistic regression analysis that included 885 mother-child pairs, MTCT risk was associated with high maternal viral load (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 12.1; P=.003) and elective Caesarean section (AOR, 0.33; P=.04). Detection of maternal HIV RNA was significantly associated with antenatal use of antiretroviral therapy, CD4 cell count, and mode of delivery. Among 560 women with undetectable HIV RNA levels, elective Caesarean section was associated with a 90% reduction in MTCT risk (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.33), compared with vaginal delivery or emergency Caesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that offering an elective Caesarean section delivery to all HIV-infected women, even in areas where HAART is available, is appropriate clinical management, especially for persons with detectable viral loads. Our results also suggest that previously identified risk factors remain important.

Morbidity and mortality during the first two years of life among uninfected children born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected women: the women and infants transmission study

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated morbidity and mortality during the first 2 years of life among children born to human immunodeficiency virus-(HIV) type 1-infected women enrolled in the Women and Infants Transmission Study (WITS) during an 11-year period (1990-2001).

DESIGN AND METHODS

As part of WITS, evaluations were performed at birth and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Growth, hospitalization and the incidence of clinical disease were assessed regularly.

RESULTS

Data regarding 1118 children born to HIV-infected women (955 HIV-uninfected children and 163 HIV-infected children) were analyzed. Fewer changes in the caretaker of the child and fewer in utero exposures to drugs, tobacco and alcohol occurred in the latter periods of the study (all P values for time trend analyses <0.01). The percentages of HIV-uninfected children with poor weight gain (44 of 767; 5.7%), short stature (32 of 703; 4.5%) and wasting (27 of 792; 3.4%) were higher than expected for the general population. Two or more changes in caretaker were associated with all growth deficiencies except wasting, and fetal exposure to tobacco was associated with height abnormalities. Anemia was common and was associated with receipt of zidovudine prophylaxis. Morbidity and mortality decreased during the study period. For the uninfected children, a decrease in class A events (Kaplan-Meier rates: group 1, 22.3%; group 2, 6.8%; group 3, 4.2%; P < 0.001) and class C events and death (Kaplan- Meier event rates: group 1, 2.0%; group 2, 1.7%; group 3, 0.2%; P = 0.062) during the first 2 years of life account for the differences in the curves over time.

CONCLUSIONS

During an 11-year period, morbidity and mortality during the first 24 months of life decreased substantially for children born to HIV-infected women.

HIV and pregnancy: is the outlook for mother and baby transformed?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Advances in antiretroviral regimens and specific obstetrical procedures have enabled HIV-positive women to have children, with a very low risk of transmitting the infection to the infant and with improved chances of seeing their children reach adulthood. New studies have given providers of care better information on how to assist women with HIV who want to have a child in the safest possible way.

RECENT FINDINGS

Highly active antiretroviral therapy can effectively control viral replication and reduce the risk of vertical transmission. The benefit of treatment for the mother and the infant must be balanced against any negative effects on pregnancy, the embryo and the fetus. Potential long-term consequences of prenatal exposure to potent compounds should also be considered and monitored. The evidence suggests that even in women with undetectable viral load, Caesarean section reduces vertical transmission to the same degree as documented previously for all women. Although the absolute risk reduction is very low, no study can show whether or not this is statistically significant and therefore women should be helped to make their individual choice. Mothers with HIV should not breastfeed in countries where formula milk is easily available, however highly active antiretroviral therapy administered to mothers or infants may reduce the risk of postnatal HIV transmission.

SUMMARY

Counselling and assistance to conceive, modification of the therapeutic regimens and options about delivery have changed dramatically since the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Nowadays, women with HIV, similarly to uninfected women, can discuss with their doctors which therapeutic and treatment options would best fit their expectations of care.

The cost-effectiveness of elective Cesarean delivery to prevent hepatitis C transmission in HIV-coinfected women

OBJECTIVES

To determine the net health consequences, costs, and cost-effectiveness of elective Cesarean delivery (C-section) to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV/HCV-coinfected women with suppressed HIV RNA but detectable HCV RNA.

DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness analysis using a probabilistic decision model.

METHODS

The model compared two strategies: (i) C-section for all coinfected women with suppressed HIV RNA but detectable HCV RNA; (ii) C-section only when indicated based on fetal status. Outcomes included vertical transmission of HCV, maternal mortality, quality-adjusted life expectancy, delivery and HCV treatment costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Data were obtained from the literature and national databases. Delivery cost data were from a hospital consortium database. Probability distributions were derived from published confidence intervals or estimated ranges, or calculated using reported sample sizes.

RESULTS

Elective C-section in coinfected women with suppressed HIV RNA but detectable HCV RNA would avoid 45 vertical HCV transmissions per 1000 deliveries and increase maternal mortality by one death per 100 000 deliveries. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a recommendation for C-section versus current practice was 3900-6100 dollars per quality-adjusted life year for the mother-child pair. Results are sensitive to the efficacy of C-section in preventing transmission, the probability of vaginal delivery without a recommendation, and rates of maternal acceptance of the recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

Assuming 2000 births/year among HIV/HCV-coinfected women in the United States, a recommendation for elective C-section in these women could avoid an additional 90 perinatal HCV transmissions per year with a risk of one maternal death in 50 years.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection is the primary cause of paediatric HIV infections worldwide. Although clinical trials show that antiretroviral therapy, elective caesarean section and formula feeding can significantly reduce the peripartum or postpartum risk of transmission, their application on a population basis is challenging. There is a need for alternative, easier and more effective interventions for population-based programmes.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review addresses recent advances in our understanding of mother-to-child transmission risk factors, including maternal viral load (in plasma, genital tract and breast milk) and gender, and determinants and rates of postnatal transmission. New information on prophylactic antiretroviral therapy includes results from randomized trials in Africa and Thailand, in addition to new information on implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes in nontrial settings, in both developed and developing countries. Two important issues relating to use of antiretroviral prophylaxis are discussed: safety and toxicity, including new findings on haemopoiesis, prematurity and mitochondrial abnormalities in antiretroviral therapy-exposed infants and children, and resistance. Recent trends and controversies relating to mode of delivery in HIV-infected pregnant women are outlined. Regarding infant feeding, preliminary results on use of mono-antiretroviral therapy to prevent postnatal transmission in breastfeeding HIV-exposed infants are discussed.

SUMMARY

In resource-rich settings, virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission is theoretically possible. Even in these settings, however, a substantial number of infected women are not being identified early enough for optimum application of prevention of mother-to-child transmission interventions. In developing country settings, focus is being directed towards scaling-up prevention programmes now that trials have established a variety of effective antiretroviral prophylactic approaches.