Background:
Pregnancy may increase the risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
because of pregnancy induced immune suppression. The objective of this study was to use a
large population-based dataset to estimate the prevalence of HPV infection and its association with
adverse outcomes among pregnant women.
Methods:
We analyzed Pregnancy Risk Monitoring System data from 2004-2011 (N=26,085)
to estimate the self-reported HPV infection. Survey logistic procedures were used to examine the
relationship between HPV infection and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Results:
Approximately 1.4% of women were estimated to have HPV infection during their pregnancy.
The prevalence of adverse outcomes in this sample was preterm birth (8.4%), preeclampsia
(7.5%), low birth weight (6.3%) and premature rupture of membranes (2.8%). Compared to women
without HPV infection, HPV infection positive women were much more likely to have had other
infections such as chlamydia (9.23% vs. 2.12%, p-value <.0001), Group B Strep (21.7% vs.
10.04%, p-value <.0001), and herpes (7.17% vs. 1.07%, p-value <.0001). After adjusting for other
risk factors including other infections, HPV infection was significantly associated with low birth
weight (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.14-3.30).
Conclusion:
The study indicated a potential association between HPV infection and low birth
weight. Because pregnant women with HPV infection are at higher risk of other infections, future
research may focus on the roles of co-infection in the development of adverse perinatal effects.