Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BackgroundDespite major advances in the care of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV), they remain at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study assesses recent developments in management and outcomes of pregnant WLHIV at a tertiary obstetric unit in the United Kingdom.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of WLHIV delivering at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, during 2008–2019. Detailed data was collected for maternal, virological, obstetric, and perinatal characteristics. To determine changes over time, data from the periods 2008–13 and 2014–19 were compared.ResultsWe identified 116 pregnancies in 94 WLHIV. Between 2008–2013 and 2014–2019, the rate of preconception HIV diagnosis increased from 73 to 90% (p = 0.021) and the proportion of WLHIV on combination ART (cART) at conception increased from 54 to 84% (p = 0.001). The median gestation at which cART was initiated antenatally decreased from 22+1 to 17+1 weeks (p = 0.003). In 2014-2019, 41% of WLHIV received non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based cART, 37% protease inhibitor-based cART, and 22% of cART regimens contained an integrase inhibitor. The proportion of WLHIV with a viral load <50 copies/mL at delivery rose from 87 to 94% (p = 0.235). Sixty-six percent of WLHIV delivered by Cesarean section, with a significant decrease over time in the rate of both planned (62–39%, p = 0.016) and actual (49–31%, p = 0.044) elective Cesarean. Perinatal outcomes included one case of perinatal HIV transmission (0.86%), 11% preterm birth, 15% small-for-gestational-age, and 2% stillbirth. There was an association between a viral load >50 copies/mL at delivery and preterm delivery (p = 0.0004).ConclusionVirological, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes of WLHIV improved during the study period. Implementation of national guidance has led to an increase in preconception diagnosis and treatment, earlier initiation of antenatal treatment, a reduction in the number of women with a detectable viral load at delivery, and an increase in vaginal deliveries.

Original publication

DOI

10.3389/fmed.2022.970175

Type

Journal article

Journal

Frontiers in Medicine

Publisher

Frontiers Media SA

Publication Date

20/10/2022

Volume

9