Pregnancy outcomes and effects of antiretroviral drugs in HIV-positive pregnant women: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim: Despite the clear morbidity, mortality and vertical transmission rates in women infected with HIV, there is still controversy surrounding the relationship between maternal infection and adverse neonatal outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy is considered the main and most effective method for reducing the vertical transmission of infection. However, there is no consensus over potential associations between antiretroviral therapy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review focuses on the effects of antiretroviral drugs on pregnancy outcomes in HIV-positive women. Methods: After searching MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the ISI Web of Sciences and EMBASE, 570 potentially eligible papers were identified. Only 32 papers were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Results: The most prevalent adverse pregnancy outcomes were low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth. Conclusion: Considering the higher prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in HIV-infected women, HIV screening methods should be administered in all pregnant women. Appropriate treatment modalities should also be selected to minimize adverse pregnancy outcomes.