HIV, placental pathology and birth outcomes - a brief overview.

The spectrum of placental pathology in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is vast. Features observed are not only limited to the effects of the virus itself but may include that of coinfections such as tuberculosis and syphilis. The presence of other comorbidities and changes as a result of antiretroviral therapy may further confound the histologic findings. There is a paucity of unbiased information of the effects of maternal HIV on the placenta and how these changes relate to birth outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy, now in widespread use, has altered the course of maternal HIV disease and it is unknown whether this has altered the pathophysiology of HIV on the placenta. HIV-associated placental findings that have been most well described include acute chorioamnionitis, low placental weight and maternal vascular malperfusion, with a tendency towards lower rates of chronic villitis.