Prediction and prevention of preterm birth in pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of spontaneous preterm-birth among pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is 3- to 4-fold higher when compared to HIV-negative women. The pathophysiology of preterm-birth related to HIV or ART remains unknown, especially as women living with HIV are often excluded from preterm birth studies.

AREAS COVERED: This review discusses the currently available evidence on the prediction and prevention of preterm-birth in pregnant women living with HIV. A review of the literature was conducted of primary articles between 2005 and 2021 measuring the association or lack thereof between combination ART and preterm birth, as well as of other predisposing factors to preterm birth in women living with HIV, including cervical length, vaginal microbiome, and cervico-vaginal biomarkers.

EXPERT OPINION: Further research into the effect of ART exposure on preterm-birth risk is critical, and development of preterm-birth predictive tools in this population should be a priority. Vaginal progesterone supplementation deserves further investigation as a therapeutic option to prevent recurrent preterm birth in pregnant women living with HIV. The ProSPAR study, a multicenter randomized controlled trial studying progesterone supplementation in pregnant women on protease inhibitor-based regimens, has been designed but is not yet recruiting patients.