Hypertension in Pregnancy among HIV-Infected Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Prevalence and Infant Outcomes

Abstract

This analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and association of MAP (mean arterial pressure) with birth outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women not taking antiretrovirals. HIV-infected pregnant women, enrolled into the HPTN024 trial in Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia were followed up at 26-30, 36 weeks, and delivery. The prevalence of hypertension was <1% at both 20-24 weeks and 26-30 weeks and 1.7% by 36 weeks. A 5 mm Hg elevation in MAP increased the risk of stillbirth at 20-24 weeks by 29% (p=0.001), 32% (p=0.001) at 26-30 weeks and of low birth weight (LBW) at 36 weeks by 26% (p=0.001). MAP was not associated with stillbirth at 36 weeks, LBW prior to 36 weeks, preterm birth, neonatal mortality or the risk of maternal to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]:25-36).