Fetal cardiac evaluation in HIV-positive women under HAART therapy in a Romanian hospital

Exp Ther Med. 2021 Jun;21(6):606. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10038. Epub 2021 Apr 14.ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This disease has a major socioeconomical impact. The aim of the present study was to assess the fetal heart structure and function in HIV-positive pregnant women on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This is a prospective study conducted between January, 2018 and December, 2019. The hearts of fetuses from 14 HIV-positive pregnant women on HAART were assessed. Statistically significant sex-related cardiac changes in HIV-exposed uninfected fetuses of pregnant women on HAART were found. A narrow aorta was detected in female fetuses and a smaller left ventricular transverse diameter in male fetuses. Overall, the myocardial performance index remained unaltered. The impact of antiretroviral therapy on fetal heart seems to be sex-related. Accurate and complete information about the risks and benefits of antiretroviral treatment and management strategies to improve fetal outcomes may also ensure better compliance of the mothers to this treatment.PMID:33936263 | PMC:PMC8082575 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10038
Source: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine - Category: General Medicine Authors: Source Type: research