Haematological characteristics and HIV status of pregnant women in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 1995–1996

Abstract

To describe the haematological profile of pregnant women and to compare these characteristics according to HIV serostatus in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a cross-sectional study was made in the context of a research intervention programme to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV (ANRS 049 trial). HIV testing was systematically proposed to pregnant women attending the mother and child health clinic of a community health centre. Blood samples were tested for HIV antibodies using Genelavia and Peptilav. The haematological parameters were measured with a Coulter counter. From May 1995 to March 1996, 1646 pregnant women accepted HIV testing and had a full blood count available. The prevalence of HIV infection was 12.0% (n = 197). The prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin [Hb] < 11 g/dL) was 70.1%, n = 1155 (95% confidence interval 68-72%) and significantly higher in HIV+ (81.7%, n = 161) than in HIV- women (68.9%, n = 994) (P < 0.001). Severe anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dL) was present in 1.9% of the women (n = 31), 4.6% (n = 9) in HIV+ and 1.5% (n = 22) in HIV- women (P < 0.001). HIV infection, primigravidae and secundigravidae were factors independently associated with anaemia. Anaemia was highly prevalent in this population while severe anaemia was rare. HIV infection was a contributor to anaemia in pregnancy. As zidovudine, with its known haematological toxicity, has recently been introduced to prevent MTCT of HIV in developing countries, screening HIV+ women for severe anaemia is necessary.