Hypertension in pregnancy among HIV-infected women in sub-Saharan Africa: prevalence and infant outcomes

Afr J Reprod Health. 2009 Dec;13(4):25-36.

Abstract

This analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and association of MAP (mean arterial pressure) with birth outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women not taking antiretrovirals. HIV-infected pregnant women, enrolled into the HPTN024 trial in Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia were followed up at 26-30, 36 weeks, and delivery. The prevalence of hypertension was <1% at both 20-24 weeks and 26-30 weeks and 1.7% by 36 weeks. A 5 mm Hg elevation in MAP increased the risk of stillbirth at 20-24 weeks by 29% (p = 0.001), 32% (p = 0.001) at 26-30 weeks and of low birth weight (LBW) at 36 weeks by 26% (p = 0.001). MAP was not associated with stillbirth at 36 weeks, LBW prior to 36 weeks, preterm birth, neonatal mortality or the risk of maternal to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Prevalence