Predicting the risk for preterm delivery in HIV-infected

Aim. To outline the risk factors for preterm delivery in HIV-positive women.

Methods. Clinical histories of 146 pregnancies with a confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection were analyzed. All patients were allocated to 2 groups. The first group included 60 patients who had a preterm delivery prior to 37th week of pregnancy. The second group included 86 patients who delivered at term. To identify the risk factors for preterm delivery, odds ratios were calculated.

Results. Risk factors for preterm birth include: infection duration less than 1 year (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.04-6.49); 4A stage of HIV infection (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.08-6.60); antiretroviral treatment started on 28th week of pregnancy (OR=5.12, 95% CI=2.37-11.02); oligohydramnios according to the results of second scheduled ultrasonography at 21-22th week of pregnancy (OR=29.0, 95% CI=3.73-158.8) and data for intrauterine growth restriction according to the results of third scheduled ultrasonography at 21-22th week of pregnancy (OR=16.84, 95% CI=5.46-51.93). CD4 count (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.16-1.02) and viral load (OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.17-1.03) are indicators of patient’s immune status, but do not allow predict the risk of preterm birth.

Conclusion. Factors that might be considered as preterm delivery predictors are outlined. Introducing the package of measures aimed at early treatment of HIV-positive pregnant women with the risk factors would allow to reduce the number of preterm deliveries in such patients.