HIV infection in pregnancy: maternal and perinatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Calabar, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is likely to have untoward effects on pregnancy and its outcome. This study assessed the impact of maternal HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes in a tertiary centre in Calabar, Nigeria.


METHODS
This retrospective study analysed delivery records of 258 HIV-positive and 257 HIV-negative women for pregnancy and delivery complications. Maternal and fetal outcomes of HIV-positive pregnancies were compared with those of HIV-negative controls.


RESULTS
Adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly associated with HIV status were: anaemia: 33 (8.1%) vs. 8 (3.1%) in controls; puerperal sepsis: 18 (7%) vs. 2 (0.8%); and low birth weight: 56 (21.7%) vs. 37 (14.4%). Caesarean delivery was higher among HIV-positive women than controls: 96 (37.2%) vs. 58 (22.6%). Preterm births were higher in those HIV cohorts who did not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART): 13 (16.9%) vs. 7 (3.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
HIV-positive status increased adverse birth outcome of pregnancy. ART appeared to reduce the risk of preterm births in HIV-positive cohorts.
Reader, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Ekott Mabel
EM
Ikpim
Reader, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Udo Atim
UA
Edet
Lecturer , Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Akpan Ubong
AU
Bassey
Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria akanotu@yahoo.com.
Otu Akaninyene
OA
Asuquo
Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Ekanem Etim
EE
Inyang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D063128:Tertiary Health Care; D055815:Young Adult
Calabar; Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); maternal outcome; perinatal outcome; pregnancy