HIV infections Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(1):19-24
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000100004
PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of nevirapine HIV-infected pregnant women in our service. METHODS: a retrospective study was performed between January 2003 and December 2006 analysing all women prescribed nevirapine in pregnancy. Exclusion criteria included: (1) women who started nevirapine before pregnancy, (2) patients with abnormal baseline liver enzymes, and (3) women with incomplete liver biochemistry data. Evaluated parameters included age, weeks of exposure to nevirapine, gestational age in the begginning of medication, weeks of follow-up, viral load, CD4 cells count and serum aminotransferase levels. The incidence of adverse hepatic and/or cutaneous effects was determined and correlated to the CD4 cells count. Statistical analysis were performed using Fisher’s exact test and t-Student test when appropriate, with a statistical significance level of p<0,05. RESULTS: one hundred fifty-seven women met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one (19.7%) presented cutaneous and/or hepatic toxicity. Skin rash accounted for 77.4% of toxicities and liver function abnormalities were noted in 22.6% of women exhibiting toxicities. Grade 1, 2 and 3 hepatotoxicities were observed in 0.6, 2.5 and 1.3%, respectively. Baseline CD4 counts, viral loads and transaminases were similar in pregnant women with nevirapine adverse effects and those without reaction. Median absolute CD4 cell counts were 465.4 and 416.6 cells/µL in women with and without side effects, respectively (p=0.3). All patients who experienced hepatotoxicity had pretreatment CD4 counts superior to 250 cells/µL. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adverse events with nevirapine in our study was high, but most of them were cutaneous. There was no correlation between high CD4 counts and adverse events when analysing both cutaneous and hepatic reactions; nevertheless, hepatotoxicity occurred only in pregnant women with CD4 counts >250 cells/µL.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(1):19-24
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000100004
PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of nevirapine HIV-infected pregnant women in our service. METHODS: a retrospective study was performed between January 2003 and December 2006 analysing all women prescribed nevirapine in pregnancy. Exclusion criteria included: (1) women who started nevirapine before pregnancy, (2) patients with abnormal baseline liver enzymes, and (3) women with incomplete liver biochemistry data. Evaluated parameters included age, weeks of exposure to nevirapine, gestational age in the begginning of medication, weeks of follow-up, viral load, CD4 cells count and serum aminotransferase levels. The incidence of adverse hepatic and/or cutaneous effects was determined and correlated to the CD4 cells count. Statistical analysis were performed using Fisher’s exact test and t-Student test when appropriate, with a statistical significance level of p<0,05. RESULTS: one hundred fifty-seven women met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one (19.7%) presented cutaneous and/or hepatic toxicity. Skin rash accounted for 77.4% of toxicities and liver function abnormalities were noted in 22.6% of women exhibiting toxicities. Grade 1, 2 and 3 hepatotoxicities were observed in 0.6, 2.5 and 1.3%, respectively. Baseline CD4 counts, viral loads and transaminases were similar in pregnant women with nevirapine adverse effects and those without reaction. Median absolute CD4 cell counts were 465.4 and 416.6 cells/µL in women with and without side effects, respectively (p=0.3). All patients who experienced hepatotoxicity had pretreatment CD4 counts superior to 250 cells/µL. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adverse events with nevirapine in our study was high, but most of them were cutaneous. There was no correlation between high CD4 counts and adverse events when analysing both cutaneous and hepatic reactions; nevertheless, hepatotoxicity occurred only in pregnant women with CD4 counts >250 cells/µL.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(10):497-505
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001000002
PURPOSE: to evaluate fetal structural and/or functional abnormalities by ultrasound examination and fetal echocardiography, in pregnant women positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: we analyzed prospectively 109 HIV positive pregnant women under antiretroviral therapy (Study Group) and 200 low risk pregnant patients (Control Group). All of them were submitted to ultrasound scan and fetal and neonatal echocardiography once a month. The amniotic fluid volume, fetal growth, fetal structural and functional alteration and the perinatal outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: there were eight (7.3%) cases of fetal structural abnormality in the Study Group and two (1%) in the Control Group (p=0.616). There were four cases of congenital heart disease and four cases of hydronephrosis in the Study Group, with statistic significance (p=0.015) for the cardiac abnormalities. There were eight cases (7.3%) of oligohydramnios and 11 cases (10%) of polyhydramnios in the Study Group against two cases (1%) of oligohydramnios and none of polyhydramnios in the Control Group (p=0.004 and p<0.001). Eleven (10%) newborn babies were too small for their gestation age in the Study Group, against three (2.7%) in the Control Group (p=0,002). The incidence of preterm delivery was 8.7 and 2.5% in the Study and Control Groups respectively (p=0.041). It was observed six cases (5.5%) of fetal death in the Study Group and none in the Control Group (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: in the present study, we have observed higher prevalence of amniotic fluid volume and congenital heart abnormalities in the Study Group as compared to the Control Group. Statistical significance was found in both situations. The high fetal death rate found in the Study Group was probably due to fetal malformation, whereas the high prematurity rate and the prevalence of small size for the gestational age of the newborn babies were probably related to antiretroviral therapy, smoking and drug abuse.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(10):497-505
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001000002
PURPOSE: to evaluate fetal structural and/or functional abnormalities by ultrasound examination and fetal echocardiography, in pregnant women positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: we analyzed prospectively 109 HIV positive pregnant women under antiretroviral therapy (Study Group) and 200 low risk pregnant patients (Control Group). All of them were submitted to ultrasound scan and fetal and neonatal echocardiography once a month. The amniotic fluid volume, fetal growth, fetal structural and functional alteration and the perinatal outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: there were eight (7.3%) cases of fetal structural abnormality in the Study Group and two (1%) in the Control Group (p=0.616). There were four cases of congenital heart disease and four cases of hydronephrosis in the Study Group, with statistic significance (p=0.015) for the cardiac abnormalities. There were eight cases (7.3%) of oligohydramnios and 11 cases (10%) of polyhydramnios in the Study Group against two cases (1%) of oligohydramnios and none of polyhydramnios in the Control Group (p=0.004 and p<0.001). Eleven (10%) newborn babies were too small for their gestation age in the Study Group, against three (2.7%) in the Control Group (p=0,002). The incidence of preterm delivery was 8.7 and 2.5% in the Study and Control Groups respectively (p=0.041). It was observed six cases (5.5%) of fetal death in the Study Group and none in the Control Group (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: in the present study, we have observed higher prevalence of amniotic fluid volume and congenital heart abnormalities in the Study Group as compared to the Control Group. Statistical significance was found in both situations. The high fetal death rate found in the Study Group was probably due to fetal malformation, whereas the high prematurity rate and the prevalence of small size for the gestational age of the newborn babies were probably related to antiretroviral therapy, smoking and drug abuse.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(5):260-266
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000500007
PURPOSE: to evaluate puerperal morbidity in HIV-infected and HIV non-infected puerperal women. METHODS: longitudinal and controlled study performed from July 2001 to September 2003, in 205 pregnant women admitted for birth delivery at Odete Valadares Maternity, divided in two groups: HIV-infected women (82) and HIV non-infected women (123). Postpartum morbidity evaluation was performed from birth delivery up to 15 days postpartum. Morbidity was categorized as minor (postpartum hemorrhage, fever and endometritis) or major (blood transfusion, deep alterations of the surgical wound and indication for surgical intervention), and was evaluated both according to the presence or absence of HIV infection and the mode of delivery. Continuous variables were analyzed by the Student’s t-test, and categorical variables were analyzed by chi2 and Fisher’s exact test using Epi-Info 2000 (CDC, Atlanta). RESULTS: puerperal morbidity was observed in 18 patients from the HIV group (22%) and in 17 patients from the control group (14%) with predominance of minor morbidity, without statistical significance, except for an increased risk of endometritis in the HIV group (RR=1.05; CI 95%:1.01-1.10). No significant difference was observed concerning the mode of delivery between the two groups. There were only two major morbidities: blood transfusion and necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected and non-infected puerperal women have a similar morbidity, despite the lower morbidity in the HIV non-infected group and the increased risk of endometritis in the HIV group. Clinical puerperium follow-up is a strategic control tool for an early identification of maternal morbidity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(5):260-266
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000500007
PURPOSE: to evaluate puerperal morbidity in HIV-infected and HIV non-infected puerperal women. METHODS: longitudinal and controlled study performed from July 2001 to September 2003, in 205 pregnant women admitted for birth delivery at Odete Valadares Maternity, divided in two groups: HIV-infected women (82) and HIV non-infected women (123). Postpartum morbidity evaluation was performed from birth delivery up to 15 days postpartum. Morbidity was categorized as minor (postpartum hemorrhage, fever and endometritis) or major (blood transfusion, deep alterations of the surgical wound and indication for surgical intervention), and was evaluated both according to the presence or absence of HIV infection and the mode of delivery. Continuous variables were analyzed by the Student’s t-test, and categorical variables were analyzed by chi2 and Fisher’s exact test using Epi-Info 2000 (CDC, Atlanta). RESULTS: puerperal morbidity was observed in 18 patients from the HIV group (22%) and in 17 patients from the control group (14%) with predominance of minor morbidity, without statistical significance, except for an increased risk of endometritis in the HIV group (RR=1.05; CI 95%:1.01-1.10). No significant difference was observed concerning the mode of delivery between the two groups. There were only two major morbidities: blood transfusion and necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected and non-infected puerperal women have a similar morbidity, despite the lower morbidity in the HIV non-infected group and the increased risk of endometritis in the HIV group. Clinical puerperium follow-up is a strategic control tool for an early identification of maternal morbidity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(11):680-684
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001100008
There is much controversy regarding the realtionship between the use of hormonal contraceptives and the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and little is known about the effects of hormonal contraception in HIV-infected women (adverse events, menstrual disorders, disease progression, antiretroviral therapy interactions). The aim of the present study was to review available data regarding HIV vulnerability and transmission associated with hormonal contraceptives and the use of these contraceptives by women on antiretroviral therapy, with emphasis on drug interactions. In conclusion, it was not possible to offer evidence-based recommendations for the use of hormonal contraceptives among HIV-infected women under antiretroviral therapy. Infectious disease specialists and gynecologists providing care should be cautious about potential drug interaction leading to increase in adverse events, individualizing contraceptive drugs, route, and dosage, according to the antiretroviral therapy under use.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(11):680-684
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001100008
There is much controversy regarding the realtionship between the use of hormonal contraceptives and the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and little is known about the effects of hormonal contraception in HIV-infected women (adverse events, menstrual disorders, disease progression, antiretroviral therapy interactions). The aim of the present study was to review available data regarding HIV vulnerability and transmission associated with hormonal contraceptives and the use of these contraceptives by women on antiretroviral therapy, with emphasis on drug interactions. In conclusion, it was not possible to offer evidence-based recommendations for the use of hormonal contraceptives among HIV-infected women under antiretroviral therapy. Infectious disease specialists and gynecologists providing care should be cautious about potential drug interaction leading to increase in adverse events, individualizing contraceptive drugs, route, and dosage, according to the antiretroviral therapy under use.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(9):536-544
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000900006
PURPOSE: to evaluate risk factors associated with cervical intraepithelial lesion recurrence after LEEP conization. METHODS: nested case-control study in a cohort of 201 patients with cervical intraepithelial lesion, that were submitted to LEEP conization. Average follow-up of these patients was 2 years. Ninety-four HIV-infected women and 107 non-infected were enrolled. Cervical conization was achieved by the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). Evaluated surgical biopsy histopathological characteristics were lesion grade, lesion borders and glandular involvement. After surgery all patients were submitted to a colposcopy and cytological evaluation every six months. Recurrent lesions were defined it confirmed by biopsy after surgery. Cases were patients with and controls patients without recurrence. chi2 test and multivariable analysis by logistic regression were used for group comparisons. Kaplan Meier's method was performed for the survival analyses (log-rank test). RESULTS: 40 patients had lesion recurrence. Initially, significant variables were: partner number, HIV-infection, lesion borders and glandular involvement. The most frequent recurrence occurred when there were simultaneous association between positive margins and glandular involvement as indicator for recurrence risk. After logistic regression analysis the main factors associated with lesion recurrence were: glandular involvement (OR-9.1; 95% CI:13.0- 27.5); HIV-infection (OR-4.6; 95% IC:1.1-6.3); compromised margins (OR-2.6; 95% IC:1.9-11.2). CONCLUSIONS: risk factors associated with cervical intraepitelial lesion recurrence were HIV-infection, glandular involvement and compromised margins.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(9):536-544
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000900006
PURPOSE: to evaluate risk factors associated with cervical intraepithelial lesion recurrence after LEEP conization. METHODS: nested case-control study in a cohort of 201 patients with cervical intraepithelial lesion, that were submitted to LEEP conization. Average follow-up of these patients was 2 years. Ninety-four HIV-infected women and 107 non-infected were enrolled. Cervical conization was achieved by the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). Evaluated surgical biopsy histopathological characteristics were lesion grade, lesion borders and glandular involvement. After surgery all patients were submitted to a colposcopy and cytological evaluation every six months. Recurrent lesions were defined it confirmed by biopsy after surgery. Cases were patients with and controls patients without recurrence. chi2 test and multivariable analysis by logistic regression were used for group comparisons. Kaplan Meier's method was performed for the survival analyses (log-rank test). RESULTS: 40 patients had lesion recurrence. Initially, significant variables were: partner number, HIV-infection, lesion borders and glandular involvement. The most frequent recurrence occurred when there were simultaneous association between positive margins and glandular involvement as indicator for recurrence risk. After logistic regression analysis the main factors associated with lesion recurrence were: glandular involvement (OR-9.1; 95% CI:13.0- 27.5); HIV-infection (OR-4.6; 95% IC:1.1-6.3); compromised margins (OR-2.6; 95% IC:1.9-11.2). CONCLUSIONS: risk factors associated with cervical intraepitelial lesion recurrence were HIV-infection, glandular involvement and compromised margins.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(7):424-430
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000700008
The implementation of prophylactic antiretroviral drugs and others strategies to prevent vertical HIV transmission in Brazil has reduced the number of newly HIV-infected children. Since these drugs are only recently available for treatment, there is no data of conclusive safety during pregnancy and fetus and newborn. This article reviews the possible effects of these drugs in fetus, newborn and childhood, including teratogenesis, carcinogenesis and toxicity. In the literature there are an increasing description of adverse effects such as mithocondrial toxicity, neurological symptoms, blood and liver toxicity in HIV-exposed not infected children. Antiretroviral treatment recommendations are based on principles that known benefit to the pregnat woman should be mantained unless adverse effects outweight the benefit. A long term follow up of HIV- exposed children is proposed to better understanding of these potential toxicity. In this review the author suggests a practical clinical and laboratory routinary evaluation during the first years of life until adolescence for HIV-exposed not infected children.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(7):424-430
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000700008
The implementation of prophylactic antiretroviral drugs and others strategies to prevent vertical HIV transmission in Brazil has reduced the number of newly HIV-infected children. Since these drugs are only recently available for treatment, there is no data of conclusive safety during pregnancy and fetus and newborn. This article reviews the possible effects of these drugs in fetus, newborn and childhood, including teratogenesis, carcinogenesis and toxicity. In the literature there are an increasing description of adverse effects such as mithocondrial toxicity, neurological symptoms, blood and liver toxicity in HIV-exposed not infected children. Antiretroviral treatment recommendations are based on principles that known benefit to the pregnat woman should be mantained unless adverse effects outweight the benefit. A long term follow up of HIV- exposed children is proposed to better understanding of these potential toxicity. In this review the author suggests a practical clinical and laboratory routinary evaluation during the first years of life until adolescence for HIV-exposed not infected children.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(6):345-351
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000600005
PURPOSE: to evaluate association between CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity in HIV-infected women. METHODS: cross-sectional study of 87 HIV-infected patients which were confirmed by previous serologic examinations. All had cervical HPV diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients underwent anamnesis, physical examinations and colposcopy. Cervix biopsy was performed when indicated by colposcopical examination. Histopathological results followed Richart's classification, adapted by Wright, and CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity association was analysed by comparison of means using analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: among 60 biopsied women 24 were found (40.0%) with CIN I, eight (13.3%) with CIN II, three (5%) with CIN III, 14 (23.3%) with chronic cervicitis and 11 with cytopathic effect of HPV, without cell polarity loss. This corresponds to 35 (58.3%) women with intraepithelial lesion of low grade (CIN I + HPV) and 11 (18.3%) with intraepithelial lesion of high grade (CIN II + CIN III). There was no significant association between CD4+ cell count mean and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity (p=0.901). CONCLUSIONS: there was no association between CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity diagnosed by histopathological examination.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(6):345-351
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000600005
PURPOSE: to evaluate association between CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity in HIV-infected women. METHODS: cross-sectional study of 87 HIV-infected patients which were confirmed by previous serologic examinations. All had cervical HPV diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients underwent anamnesis, physical examinations and colposcopy. Cervix biopsy was performed when indicated by colposcopical examination. Histopathological results followed Richart's classification, adapted by Wright, and CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity association was analysed by comparison of means using analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: among 60 biopsied women 24 were found (40.0%) with CIN I, eight (13.3%) with CIN II, three (5%) with CIN III, 14 (23.3%) with chronic cervicitis and 11 with cytopathic effect of HPV, without cell polarity loss. This corresponds to 35 (58.3%) women with intraepithelial lesion of low grade (CIN I + HPV) and 11 (18.3%) with intraepithelial lesion of high grade (CIN II + CIN III). There was no significant association between CD4+ cell count mean and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity (p=0.901). CONCLUSIONS: there was no association between CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity diagnosed by histopathological examination.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(11):683-690
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001100009
PURPOSE: to evaluate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vertical transmission and risk factors related to perinatal infection. METHODS: descriptive study of 170 HIV-infected pregnant women and their 188 neonates, admitted from June 1994 to September 2004 at the "Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG". Demographic characteristics, mother's serologic state, mode of delivery and perinatal results were analyzed. Children were followed for 18 months after birth. Data were stored and analyzed by Epi-Info, version 6.0. Confidence interval was established at 95% (p<0.05). RESULTS: HIV infection was confirmed in 84 (45.4%) patients during gestation. Viral load was below 1,000 copies/mL in 60.4% patients. Highly active antiretroviral therapy was the predominant antiretroviral regimen (65.5%). C-section rate was high: 79.5%. Prematurity rate was 18.2%. There were 184 (97.8%) live births and four (2.2%) perinatal deaths among 188 neonates. Among live neonates 97.8% received zidovudine after birth. Global mother-to-child transmission rate was 3.8%. Virus vertical transmission rates for each period were: 60%, until 1996; 28% between 1996 and 1998; 0.68%, between 1999 and 2004. Significant risk factors were not found related to perinatal HIV-infection because there was a small number of infected neonates (n=6). CONCLUSION: there was a great reduction of HIV vertical transmission during the analyzed period. Current transmission rate is zero. This confirms that by adopting adequate measures perinatal virus transmission can be prevented.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(11):683-690
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001100009
PURPOSE: to evaluate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vertical transmission and risk factors related to perinatal infection. METHODS: descriptive study of 170 HIV-infected pregnant women and their 188 neonates, admitted from June 1994 to September 2004 at the "Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG". Demographic characteristics, mother's serologic state, mode of delivery and perinatal results were analyzed. Children were followed for 18 months after birth. Data were stored and analyzed by Epi-Info, version 6.0. Confidence interval was established at 95% (p<0.05). RESULTS: HIV infection was confirmed in 84 (45.4%) patients during gestation. Viral load was below 1,000 copies/mL in 60.4% patients. Highly active antiretroviral therapy was the predominant antiretroviral regimen (65.5%). C-section rate was high: 79.5%. Prematurity rate was 18.2%. There were 184 (97.8%) live births and four (2.2%) perinatal deaths among 188 neonates. Among live neonates 97.8% received zidovudine after birth. Global mother-to-child transmission rate was 3.8%. Virus vertical transmission rates for each period were: 60%, until 1996; 28% between 1996 and 1998; 0.68%, between 1999 and 2004. Significant risk factors were not found related to perinatal HIV-infection because there was a small number of infected neonates (n=6). CONCLUSION: there was a great reduction of HIV vertical transmission during the analyzed period. Current transmission rate is zero. This confirms that by adopting adequate measures perinatal virus transmission can be prevented.
