Does the maternal HIV-infection itself influence fetal development and neonatal morbidity or are adverse effects related to maternal opiate and nicotine abuse? 17 neonates of HIV-positive women (7 drug users) and 37 controls (17 healthy and 21 opiate exposed newborns) were examined prospectively. A discriminant analysis showed that opiate and nicotine abuse during pregnancy were associated with fetal growth retardation and neonatal morbidity, while HIV-infection of the mother did not influence these parameters. Symptoms of an HIV-embryopathy were not seen.
Birth Weight Female