Natural pregnancies in HIV-serodiscordant couples receiving successful antiretroviral therapy

Pablo Barreiro, Jorge Del Romero, Manuel Leal, Victoria Hernando, Román Asencio, Carmen De Mendoza, Pablo Labarga, Marina Núñez, José Tomás Ramos, Juan González-Lahoz, Vincent Soriano

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

Increasing numbers of HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples are concerned about the chances for pregnancy. We reviewed all natural pregnancies attained by HIV-serodiscordant couples seen in 3 clinics in Spain, in which the infected partner had undetectable plasma viremia while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In the case of HIV-infected mothers, only those with undetectable viremia during pregnancy and at delivery were chosen. A total of 62 HIV-serodiscordant couples, 22 HIV-infected women (mean CD4 count of 522 cells/μL, 55% hepatitis C virus [HCV]-seropositive) and 40 HIV-infected men (mean CD4 count of 629 cells/μL, 75% HCV-seropositive), were recorded. Overall, 76 natural pregnancies occurred, and 68 children were born. There were 9 fetal deaths, 1 twin pregnancy, 6 couples with 2 consecutive babies, and 4 couples with 3 consecutive newborns. There were no cases of HIV seroconversion in uninfected sexual partners. One case of vertical HIV transmission occurred, however. Serodiscordant couples attaining natural pregnancy are exposed to a negligible risk of sexual transmission of HIV when the infected partner presents with complete suppression of plasma viremia while receiving HAART.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)324-326
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006

Keywords

  • Antiretroviral therapy
  • HIV
  • Sexual transmission
  • Vertical transmission
  • Viral load

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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