Risk factors associated with low CD4+ lymphocyte count among HIV-positive pregnant women in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the risk factors for CD4+ lymphocyte counts of 200 cells/mm(3) or lower in HIV-positive pregnant women in Nigeria.


METHODS
A cross-sectional data analysis from a prospective cohort of 515 HIV-positive women attending a prenatal clinic. Risk of a low CD4+ count was estimated using logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
CD4+ lymphocyte counts of 200 cells/mm(3) or lower (280+/-182 cells/mm(3)) were recorded in 187 (36.3%) out of 515 HIV-positive pregnant women included in the study. Low CD4+ count was associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-95.53), lack of condom use (aOR, 5.16; 95% CI, 1.12-23.8), history of genital ulcers (aOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.12-2.82), and history of vaginal discharge (aOR; 1.62; 1.06-2.48).


CONCLUSIONS
Over 35% of the HIV-positive pregnant women had low CD4+ counts, indicating the need for treatment. The findings underscore the need to integrate prevention of mother-to-child transmission with HIV treatment and care, particularly services for sexually transmitted infections.
Abimiku
Alash'le
A
Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1009, USA. aabimiku@ihv.umaryland.edu
Villalba-Diebold
Pacha
P
Dadik
Jelpe
J
Okolo
Felicia
F
Mang
Edwina
E
Charurat
Man
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D019522:Vaginal Discharge / Q000175:diagnosis; D055815:Young Adult