Changes in T-lymphocyte subpopulations during pregnancy complicated by human immunodeficiency virus infection.

OBJECTIVE

We describe changes in T-lymphocyte subpopulations in pregnancies complicated by human immunodeficiency virus infection.

STUDY DESIGN

T-lymphocyte counts were performed every trimester and post partum on all patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Patients with a CD4 count < 500 cells/mm3 were offered zidovudine after the first trimester. We performed a regression analysis of repeated measures on the total lymphocyte, CD4, and CD8 counts.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were studied, 10 (43%) of whom took zidovudine. CD4, CD8, and total lymphocyte counts decreased in patients not taking zidovudine but remained stable in patients receiving zidovudine. The differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

CD4 and CD8 counts may decrease during pregnancies complicated by human immunodeficiency virus infection, primarily because of decreases in the total lymphocyte count. The use of zidovudine may prevent this decline. The clinical use of absolute CD4 counts during pregnancy requires further study.