Publication Details

AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS

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immunology and microbiology

Effect of HIV infection and Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia on pregnancy outcomes in Malawi

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 87, No. 1, Year 2012

Plasmodium falciparum and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are both risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) and maternal anemia, and they may interact to increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In 2005 and 2006, we followed 831 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in southern Malawi through delivery. HIV was associated with increased risk of LBW (adjusted prevalence ratio [PRadj] = 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40, 6.79). Having greater than or equal to three episodes of peripheral parasitemia was also associated with increased risk of LBW (PRadj = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.06, 6.79). Among multigravidae, dual infection resulted in 9.59 (95% CI = 2.51, 36.6) times the risk of LBW compared with uninfected multigravidae. HIV infection and placental parasitemia were each associated with increased risk of anemia. Thus, HIV infection and parasitemia are important independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Among multigravidae, HIV infection and placental parasitemia may interact to produce an impact greater than the sum of their independent effects. Copyright © 2012 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Statistics
Citations: 22
Authors: 5
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Locations
Malawi
Participants Gender
Female