17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, HIV, and preterm birth

Abstract

Worldwide, preterm birth is the second leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years.1 The prevalence of preterm birth is significantly higher in low-income and middle-income countries than in high-income countries,1,2 and in sub-Saharan Africa (where maternal HIV infection substantially increases the risk of preterm birth and other adverse perinatal outcomes2) one in five children are born preterm.1–3 HIV infection is associated with both vaginal and systemic inflammation,4 as well as abnormal placental angiogenesis,5 which all contribute to spontaneous preterm birth.