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Impact of antiretroviral therapy on pregnancy outcomes
Abstract
Objective. To examine the impact of ART on pregnancy outcome according to the timing of initiation of treatment.
Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women delivering at a tertiary hospital from 1 October 2008 to 31 March 2009.
Results. A total of 245 mothers were receiving ART: 76 mothers (31%) started ART pre-conception and 169 mothers (69%) started ART after the first trimester. No significant differences were observed in the rates of preterm delivery and low birth weight (LBW) between the pre- and post-conception groups (21% v. 24% and 21% v. 25%, respectively).
Conclusion. In this cohort of women receiving ART in pregnancy, timing of ART initiation did not have any adverse effect on the measured pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery and LBW.