A descriptive study of HIV positive pregnant mothers on antiretroviral drugs (ARVS) in the Gambian tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background:/Aims: The use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in pregnancy has shown remarkable improvement in immune status and have revolutionized the approach of care to people living with HIV (PLHIV). Some adverse pregnancy conditions have been reported which may depend on type of regimen, time and duration of use. The use of ARVs in pregnancy have been dynamic and transition from one regimen to the other have setting and country based variations. Therefore, knowing the impact of ARVs in pregnancy among PLHIV in our settings deserve evidence based information. Methods: Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the hospital were prospectively recruited and followed up. HIV positive mothers were recruited irrespective of gestation age. At the time of delivery, obstetric and neonatal characteristics were entered into computer database. Mothers and their children were followed until 6 weeks postpartum. The data was analyzed with Epi-info version 7.1.5. Chi square at significant level of 0.05 and confidence level of 95% was used to determine significance. Results: A total of 55 HIV positive mothers were in the study. The age range was between 18 to 45 years and parity was 0 to 8. The mean birth weight and gestation age at delivery was 2.92kg (SD 0.556) and 36 weeks (SD 2.8 weeks) respectively. The absolute CD4 count of 500cells/mm3 and above (43.3%) was associated with no low birth weight. The mean glycaemic results were within normal range, 4.02-4.75 and 5.00-6.79 Mmol/l pre and post prandial respectively. Conclusion: Low birth weight was not associated with HAART in pregnancy and good immune condition was not associated with low birth weight. There was no association of protease inhibitors and gestational diabetes mellitus.