Short- and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Preeclampsia in Women and Their Neonates in Pregnancies With and Without HIV Infection.

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new-onset hypertension at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, associated with either uteroplacental dysfunction and/or maternal organ dysfunction that involves any of the hematological, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. It complicates 2%-8% of pregnancies worldwide and is a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The multiorgan involvement in PE may extend beyond the immediate puerperium period and significantly impact the health of both affected women and their children in later life. In sub-Saharan Africa, long-term data on PE remain limited, irrespective of the substantial HIV burden in the region and the probable interaction between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, HIV infection, and antiretroviral therapy. Therefore, this narrative review provides an update on the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of PE in the context of HIV infection, for both the mother and affected child. For instance, there is an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular disease development and renal impairment in the mother. Neonates born from such pregnancies are also at increased risk of low birth weight and the sequelae of prematurity.