Reduction in Preterm Delivery and Neonatal Mortality after the Introduction of Antenatal Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis among HIV‐Infected Women with Low CD4 Cell Counts

Abstract

BackgroundCotrimoxazole prophylaxis is recommended for subgroups of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected adults and children to reduce all-cause morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether antenatal cotrimoxazole prophylaxis begun during pregnancy for HIV-infected pregnant women with low CD4 cell counts would affect birth outcomes MethodsCotrimoxazole prophylaxis was introduced as a routine component of antenatal care for HIV-infected women with CD4 cell counts ResultsAmong 255 women with CD4 cell counts ConclusionAntenatal provision of cotrimoxazole for HIV-infected pregnant women with low CD4 cell counts may have indirect benefits for neonatal health