Clinically Significant Anemia in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women in India Is Not a Major Barrier to Zidovudine Use for Prevention of Maternal-to-Child Transmission

Abstract

A significant proportion of HIV-positive pregnant women in India present for antenatal care with anemia. With concurrent iron and folic acid supplementation, however, zidovudine use is not associated with persistent or worsening anemia or associated adverse outcomes. In Indian community settings, all pregnant HIV-positive women should receive early anemia treatment. Mild anemia should not limit zidovudine use for PMTCT in India.