Impact of HAART Therapy and HIV Infection over Fetal Growth—An Anthropometric Point of View

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection cannot be completely eliminated from the body because the virus integrates its genetic code into that of the host cell. The prevalence of pregnancy in women with HIV infection has increased due to the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Placental insufficiency is associated with a reduction in blood flow and circulatory redistribution, resulting in fetal hypoxia and nutrient deprivation as a consequence of an altered placental function, and it can result in a lower birthweight. The aim of the study was to determine the combined effect of HIV infection and ART on the anthropometric parameters of infants born to HIV-positive pregnant women under ART compared to the values of these parameters in a control group of infants born to healthy mothers. There are no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gestational age at birth. We found a statistically significant lower birth weight in infants born from HIV-positive mothers under ART, with 3041 g in the control group compared to 2758 g in the group of HIV positive pregnant women (p < 0.01). There were statistically significant differences in all anthropometric parameters, these showing higher values in the control group (seronegative pregnant women).