The association between maternal HIV infection and low birth weight at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
Date
2020
Authors
Phelp, Juliette Jane
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Abstract
Background: Maternal HIV infection has been associated with infant low birth
weight (LBW), whilst highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved
maternal health and reduced rates of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV.
Whether there is an association between maternal HIV and LBW in the context of
HAART is uncertain.
Methods: We used data from the V98_28OBTP study conducted at Chris Hani
Baragwanath Academic Hospital from July 2014 to December 2016 to assess the
association between maternal HIV infection, LBW and other variables.
Results: Of 36 808 study participants 10 990 (29.9%) infants were HIV exposed and
25 818 (70.1%) were HIV unexposed with a mean birth weight (BW) of 2 948g
(standard deviation (SD) ± 604g) and 3 061g (SD ± 599g) respectively (P<0.001).
HIV infected infants tended to be smaller than HIV exposed uninfected infants, mean
BW 2 680g (SD ± 679g) and 2 917g (SD ± 622g) respectively (P=0.063). The
adjusted odds ratio (OR) for LBW as related to maternal HIV infection was 1.49 (95%
confidence interval (CI) 1.35-1.64). Any maternal antiretroviral treatment was
associated with reduced odds of LBW (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.647-0.995). Other
variables strongly associated with LBW included, maternal hypertension, poor
maternal nutrition and prior pregnancy loss.
Conclusion: Maternal HAART usage has improved LBW but a weak association
between HIV exposure and LBW still exists
Description
Original published work submitted to the Faculty of Health Science, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Medicine