Levels of Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in HIV Seropositive Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria

HIV infection remains a worrisome pandemic especially in developing countries like Nigeria, with an increasing number of infected women becoming pregnant, with added risk of pregnancy complications such as intrauterine fetal death, neural tube defects, and vertical transmissions. Hence this study assessed the levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in HIV seropositive pregnant women, and their implication for maternal and fetal health. A total of 86 patients were recruited for the study from the Antenatal Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi. Forty three were HIV seropositive (Test group), and forty three were HIV seronegative (Control group). Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The results showed that MSAFP levels (3.14±2.80 ng/ml) were significantly lower (P < .05) in HIV infected pregnant women when compared to HIV uninfected pregnant women (4.75±3.68 ng/ml). There was no significant difference in the levels of β-hCG (217.88±63.85mIU/mL) in the test group (P = 0.629) as compared to controls (223.75±47.71 mIU/mL). In the test group, increased CD4 counts were significantly associated with increased MSAFP and β-hCG levels in a positive fashion (P < .05). Increase in Gestational age was also significantly associated with increased β-hCG levels (P < .05).

The measurements of MSAFP and β-hCG levels may be used alongside CD4 count in the assessment of maternal and fetal wellbeing. Human Immunodeficiency Virus by reducing the levels of MSAFP in HIV infected pregnant women increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as intrauterine fetal death.