Effect of HCV infection on glucose metabolism in pregnant women with HIV receiving HAART.

OBJECTIVE

A prospective study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of glucose metabolism abnormalities (GMAs) among HIV-1-infected pregnant women receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

Blood samples were collected in fasting conditions and following a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test among HIV-infected pregnant women consecutively followed at asingle HIV reference centre in 2001-2008. GMAs were defined by glucose intolerance(IGT) or gestational diabetes (GDM), according to the National Diabetes Data Group criteria. Predictors of GMAs were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 78 women with no history of diabetes or GMAs were eligible for analysis. All were on stable HAART with either nevirapine or protease inhibitors (PIs) from at least 4 weeks at the time of sampling. GMAs during pregnancy were observed in 20 women (25.6%; GDM: 6, 7.7%; IGT: 14, 17.9%). In a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age and ongoing antiretroviral treatment (PI or nevirapine), GMAs in pregnancy were significantly associated with HCV coinfection(adjusted odds ratio 4.16; 95% CI, 1.22-14.1;p = .022). No maternal or neonatalcomplications were observed.

CONCLUSION

GMAs represent a relevant issue in the management of HIV-1-infected pregnant women. Our data suggest that these abnormalities are relatively common in this particular group. Women with HCV coinfection have an increased risk of developing GMAs during pregnancy and should be monitored for potential complications.