Incidence of Hypertension Decreases with Multivitamin Use in HIV + Women

Category: Conditions of the Circulatory System , Women's Health

Maternal conditions affect the outcome of labor and birth. Existing conditions such as high blood pressure can increase neonatal morbidity by causing preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, and possible death. It is not fully understood what causes high blood pressure during pregnancy, however many experts believe that oxidative stress and dysfunction of the endothelial cells (lining of vessel walls) in the placenta may play a large role.

Babies born to mothers who are HIV+ are at increased risk of contracting the disease if born preterm. A study published in the July issue of the Journal of Nutrition measured the effect a multivitamin supplement had on high blood pressure in HIV+ women. Vitamins and antioxidants have been shown to decrease oxidative stress, and therefore may be effective at reducing the incidence of high blood pressure. In this populous, vitamins and antioxidants may also decrease the rate of neonatal HIV infection.

A total of 1078 HIV+ pregnant women participated in the study. They were randomized to receive a multivitamin with Vitamins B, C, and E as well as take a Vitamin A supplement or placebo. The primary outcome was incidence of high blood pressure during the pregnancy as defined by a systolic above 140 mmHg or a diastolic above 90 mmHg.

Researchers found that a multivitamin reduced the incidence of high blood pressure by 38% in HIV+ pregnant women. They also found that women who were larger framed or overweight were more likely to develop high blood pressure, as were women with a baseline systolic pressure above 120 mmHg.

The intake of a multivitamin was negatively correlated with high blood pressure in HIV+ pregnant women. Vitamin A showed no relationship with incidence of high blood pressure in this population. The authors conclude that a multivitamin in pregnancy is a cost effective method of reducing the risk of preterm delivery. This treatment has the potential to impact the rate of transmission of HIV to babies from + mothers.

Posted by on December 19, 2008 10:00 AM