Risk factors for very preterm delivery and delivery of very-small-for-gestational-age infants among HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed infants in Botswana

Objective

To evaluate risk factors for very preterm delivery (VPTD) and very-small-for-gestational-age (VSGA) births in a country with a high HIV prevalence.

Methods

Obstetric records at 6 hospitals across Botswana were reviewed at delivery; VPTD was defined as birth before 32 weeks of pregnancy and VSGA as birth weight below the 3rd percentile for Botswana-specific norms.

Results

Of 16 219 live births born after 26 weeks of pregnancy, 701 (4.3%) were delivered very preterm and 607 (3.7%) were VSGA; 4347 (28.4%) were documented as HIV-exposed. In a multivariable analysis, HIV infection and hypertension during pregnancy were associated with a VPTD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: HIV 1.65, hypertension 1.75) and a VSGA birth (AOR: HIV infection 1.90, hypertension 3.44). Among HIV-infected women, the continuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) from before conception was associated with a VSGA birth (AOR 1.75) but not with a VPTD (AOR 0.78). In a secondary analysis, HAART continuation was associated with hypertension during pregnancy (AOR 1.34).

Conclusion

Hypertension and HIV infection were risk factors for a VPTD and a VSGA birth. Continuation of HAART from before conception was associated with a VSGA birth but not with a VPTD.