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. 2021 Jun;21(6):606.
doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10038. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

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

Alexandra Ursache  1 , Alexandra Maria Tibeica  2 , Alexandru Luca  2 , Mircea Onofriescu  1   2 , Daniela Roxana Matasariu  1 , Dragos Nemescu  1   2
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Fetal cardiac evaluation in HIV-positive women under HAART therapy in a Romanian hospital

Alexandra Ursache et al. Exp Ther Med. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Human 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.

Keywords: AIDS; HIV; antiretroviral therapy; fetal heart; pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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