Haematological Safety of Perinatal Zidovudine in Pregnant HIV-1–Infected Women in Thailand: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial

2007

Safety of Zidovudine in Pregnant Women with HIV in Thailand

Sample size: 1436 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nelly Briand, Marc Lallemant, Gonzague Jourdain, Somnuek Techapalokul, Preecha Tunthanathip, Surachet Suphanich, Truengta Chanpoo, Patrinee Traisathit, Kenneth McIntosh, Sophie Le Coeur

Primary Institution: Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques, Paris, France

Hypothesis

Does the duration of zidovudine exposure during pregnancy affect haematological parameters in HIV-infected women?

Conclusion

Zidovudine started at 28 weeks of gestation has a temporary negative effect on blood parameters, but these effects are mostly reversed by delivery.

Supporting Evidence

Zidovudine exposure from 28 weeks led to a decrease in haemoglobin and white blood cell counts.
By delivery, the blood parameters mostly returned to normal levels.
Women receiving zidovudine from 28 weeks had a slightly lower haemoglobin level at delivery compared to those starting at 35 weeks.
Zidovudine did not negatively impact lymphocyte counts.
Severe anemia was more common in women receiving the longer zidovudine regimen.

Takeaway

Giving a medicine called zidovudine to pregnant women with HIV can make their blood counts drop a little at first, but it gets better by the time they have their babies.

Methodology

This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial comparing different durations of zidovudine prophylaxis in HIV-infected pregnant women.