The Particulars: Previous studies have shown that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV transmission and seroconversion among patients without HIV whose sexual partners are infected. Whether PrEP has adverse effects on pregnancy and birth outcomes has not been well defined in clinical research.
Data Breakdown: HIV-negative women who were in a relationship with an HIV-positive male partner were recruited for a study. Participants received one of two PrEP options or placebo. No statistically significant difference in the occurrence of pregnancy loss was observed between treatment groups. Occurrences of preterm birth, congenital anomalies, and kidney function and growth throughout the first year of life also did not differ significantly between groups.
Take Home Pearl: Women who are not infected with HIV and take PrEP to prevent transmission of the infection from infected male partners do not appear to experience significant fetal harm or additional risk to normal pregnancy.
