Venous thromboembolism in HIV-positive women during puerperium: a case series.

Several studies in the past few years suggested that HIV-infection is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. No data have been reported, however, on pregnancy and the postpartum period as possible additional risk factors for venous thromboembolism in HIV-infected women. We present a cohort of 41 consecutive pregnant HIV-infected women, wherein three cases (7.3%) had venous thromboembolism within 3 months postpartum. Annual incidence was 313 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval, 65-915). This risk is 120 fold higher than in HIV-positive controls, whereas the risk is 157-fold higher compared to HIV-negative pregnant women. Further clinical studies are warranted to assess its implications for pregnancy and postpartum management in HIV-infected women.