Ultrasound features of placental changes and their obstetric correlates among HIV patients and controls at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

Abstract

Background: One of the serious health problems in the world today is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome pandemic, with Nigeria having the second largest number of new cases. During pregnancy, HIV-infected women face more adverse effects than uninfected women. This study aimed at evaluating ultrasound features of placentas of HIV-positive women and controls to demonstrate a difference in vasculoplacental complications between the two groups. Methods: A comparative study was conducted among HIV-positive women and their matched controls. Informed consent was obtained and a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. The women had ultrasound assessment of the placenta and an obstetric ultrasound scan. Results: There were no differences in placental surface area (t = −1.122, df = 6, P = 0.305, 95% confidence interval: −17.46 to 15.56) and placental thickness (t = 1.846, df = 58, P = 0.07, 95% confidence interval: −0.405 to 9.99). Calcifications were found but not related to HIV status. The most common complication among the HIV-infected women was miscarriage. No complications were recorded among the controls. Conclusion: There was no difference in the vasculopathological changes detectable by ultrasound scan in the placentas of HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women.