Maternal Outcomes among HIV Positive Pregnant Mothers and Birth Outcomes of HIV Exposed Newborns in Nyahururu County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Approximately 37 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2015. This led to high morbidity and mortality among women of childbearing age, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa which was the epicentre of this global pandemic. Strengthening and implementing prevention of mother-to-child (PMTCT) services could reduce the incidence of vertical transmission and improve quality of life. We aimed to determine maternal and birth outcomes among HIV-positive pregnant mothers and HIV-exposed newborns in Nyahururu county referral hospital, Laikipia, Kenya.

Main Outcomes Measures: Reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and other birth-related complications. In addition, this will also reduce infant mortality and morbidity among HIV-exposed infants.

Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based descriptive prospective study conducted at the PMTCT department at the Nyahururu County referral hospital. A sample of 180 HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled at the PMTCT consented to participate in the study. We monitored them until delivery and labour complications were addressed. Babies were scored against the APGAR scale, weighed and spot dried blood samples taken before breastfeeding; and started on prophylactic antiretroviral therapy.

Results: Out of 180 participants, only 17 did not complete the study. Our findings indicate that 97.5 % of the mothers delivered in the hospital, had labour lasting less than 12 hours, 92.6% had a normal delivery and 94.9% had no complications during the labour period. About 2.5 % of the women had misoprostol administration. The majority of exposed babies had an average weight of between 2.51 - 3.00kg. No neonatal asphyxia was evident among exposed babies.

Conclusions: The majority of the respondents delivered in the hospital; no neonatal asphyxia was evidenced and there was a significant correlation between APGAR scores and infant weight. There is a need for active follow-up and monitoring of HIV pregnant women and their unborn babies until delivery.