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Tajiri H, Bessho K, Nakayama Y, Abukawa D, Iitsuka Y, Ito Y, Inui A, Etani Y, Suzuki M, Takano T, Tanaka A, Mizuochi T, Miyoshi Y, Murakami J. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of children with mother-to-child transmitted hepatitis C virus infection. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e14962. [PMID: 35224815 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first guidelines for care of pregnant women carrying the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their infants were published in 2005 in Japan. Since then, evidence has gradually accumulated worldwide regarding the natural course and treatment of this condition and, especially in recent years, treatment for chronic hepatitis C in adult patients has made great progress. However, the clinical practice policy for children has not been standardized, and new clinical practice guidelines for children with mother-to-child (MTC) transmitted HCV infection have become necessary. METHODS In the development of the current guideline, we requested cooperation from The Japanese Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The Japan Society of Hepatology, and the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The committee members were recommended and approved by each society to participate in developing the guidelines. The guideline was also created in accordance with the Minds Guide for Practice Guideline Development. The statements were prepared by consensus-building using the Delphi method, based on the comprehensively searched academic papers and guidelines. These articles were retrieved through searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases. RESULTS Eight clinical questions (CQs) with clinical statements were developed regarding etiology (CQs 1-3), diagnosis (CQs 4 and 5), and treatment (two CQs 6 and 7). In each statement, the consensus rate, evidence level, and recommendation level were determined. CONCLUSION The guidelines will be helpful in the management of children with hepatitis C MTC transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tajiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Bessho
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Nakayama
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Daiki Abukawa
- Division of General Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Iitsuka
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chiba Kaihin Municipal Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohama City Tobu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuri Etani
- Department of Gastroenterology Nutrition and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Takano
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Mizuochi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yoko Miyoshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Murakami
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Benova L, Awad SF, Abu-Raddad LJ. Estimate of vertical transmission of Hepatitis C virus in Pakistan in 2007 and 2012 birth cohorts. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:1177-1183. [PMID: 28662284 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Despite a combination of high Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, a large adult population and high fertility, no published estimates of the scale and contribution of vertical transmission to HCV incidence in Pakistan exist. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of new HCV infections occurring in Pakistan as a result of vertical transmission. We adapted a published mathematical model based on HCV antibody and viraemia prevalence, fertility rates, risk of HCV vertical transmission and children mortality rates to estimate the number of infections in the 2007 and 2012 birth cohorts nationally and in four subnational regions. We estimated that 19 708 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 15 941-23 819) children were vertically infected by HCV in 2007 and 21 676 (95% UI: 17 498-26 126) in 2012. The majority of these cases (72.9% and 72.5% in 2007 and 2012, respectively) occurred in Punjab. We estimated that vertical transmission as a mode of exposure accounted for a quarter of HCV infections among children under 5 years of age (25.2% in 2007 and 24.0% in 2012). CONCLUSION Our results showed that one in 260 children born in Pakistan in 2007 and 2012 acquired HCV vertically. While currently no interventions during pregnancy and childbirth are recommended to reduce this risk, prevention, testing and treatment strategies should be considered to reduce the burden of vertical HCV infections among young children. Other routes of transmission appear to contribute the majority of HCV infections among children and must also be clarified and urgently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Benova
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susanne Faissal Awad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith Jamal Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.,College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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Wang F, Zheng H, Zhang G, Ding Z, Li F, Zhong G, Chen Y, Jia Y, Miao N, Wu Z, Sun X, Li L, Liang X, Cui F. Effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission practice in three provinces of Southern China. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:2061-7. [PMID: 26090956 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1023972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination in prevention mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of hepatitis B has been recommended since plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccines became available in China in 1986; however, less study evaluated practice effectiveness of PMTCT systematically. We conducted a prospective survey to evaluate the effectiveness of PMTCT practices in 3 provinces of southern China. We selected prefectures with low timely birth dose coverage in Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hunan provinces. Infants born to HBsAg positive mothers were evaluated at 7-12 months of age. We tested hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg) of mothers and tested HBsAg of infants born to HBsAg positive mothers using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) at provincial CDC laboratories. We used logistic regression analysis to analyze the risk factors for HBV infection. Among 3,094 infants born to HBsAg positive mothers, 172 were positive for HBsAg (5.6%). HBeAg status of pregnant women, timely birth dose (TBD) of hepatitis B vaccine were major predictors for HBV infection of infants. PMTCT practices greatly reduced the prevalence of HBsAg among infants born to HBsAg positive mothers China. However, the effectiveness of strategies used in PMTCT varied. HBsAg screening for pregnant women, monitoring of infants born to HBsAg positive mother should be enhanced to evaluate the effectiveness of program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhen Wang
- a Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention ; Beijing , China
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Benova L, Awad SF, Miller FD, Abu-Raddad LJ. Estimation of hepatitis C virus infections resulting from vertical transmission in Egypt. Hepatology 2015; 61:834-42. [PMID: 25366418 PMCID: PMC4365684 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Despite having the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in the world, the ongoing level of HCV incidence in Egypt and its drivers are poorly understood. Whereas HCV mother-to-child infection is a well-established transmission route, there are no estimates of HCV infections resulting from vertical transmission for any country, including Egypt. The aim of this study was to estimate the absolute number of new HCV infections resulting from vertical transmission in Egypt. We developed a conceptual framework of HCV vertical transmission, expressed in terms of a mathematical model and based on maternal HCV antibody and viremia. The mathematical model estimated the number of HCV vertical infections nationally and for six subnational areas. Applying two vertical transmission risk estimates to the 2008 Egyptian birth cohort, we estimated that between 3,080 and 5,167 HCV infections resulted from vertical transmission among children born in 2008. HCV vertical transmission may account for half of incident cases in the <5-year age group. Disproportionately higher proportions of vertical infections were estimated in Lower Rural and Upper Rural subnational areas. This geographical clustering was a result of higher-area-level HCV prevalence among women and higher fertility rates. CONCLUSION Vertical transmission is one of the primary HCV infection routes among children<5 years in Egypt. The absolute number of vertical transmissions and the young age at infection highlight a public health concern. These findings also emphasize the need to quantify the relative contributions of other transmission routes to HCV incidence in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Benova
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell UniversityQatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Susanne F Awad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell UniversityQatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - F DeWolfe Miller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of HawaiiHonolulu, HI
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Cornell UniversityQatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell UniversityNew York, NY,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattle, WA
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Garazzino S, Calitri C, Versace A, Alfarano A, Scolfaro C, Bertaina C, Vatrano S, Mignone F, Licciardi F, Gabiano C, Tovo PA. Natural history of vertically acquired HCV infection and associated autoimmune phenomena. Eur J Pediatr 2014; 173:1025-31. [PMID: 24585099 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-014-2286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The natural history of vertically acquired HCV infection is ill defined. The aim of this study was to outline the natural course of vertical HCV infection in a cohort of untreated children, including rate of spontaneous viral clearance, frequency and features of HCV-related autoimmune disorders. Children with vertical HCV infection were prospectively followed from the first month of life with regular clinical and laboratory assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using Prism 5.0. Forty-five children (median age 12 years, interquartile range 6.9-15.5) were studied. Genotype 1 was predominant (53.3 %). Spontaneous viral clearance was achieved by 12 patients (26.7 %) and associated with genotype 3. Alanine-amino-transferase levels were increased in most children in the first 2 years of life with higher values in those who later cleared the infection. All children were asymptomatic for liver disease. Transient elastography (32 patients) showed mild or moderate fibrosis in nine and two cases, respectively. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies were detected in 24 children (53.3 %) independently of viremia; of these, one developed type-1 diabetes. Cryoglobulinemia was associated with genotype 1 infection and found in 15 subjects (33.3 %): two had low C4 levels and persistent proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS Vertically acquired HCV infection may result in spontaneous clearance in up to 27 % of children. Resolution of infection is higher with genotype 3, usually occurs in preschool age and persists over time. Chronic infection is generally asymptomatic, although hepatomegaly and mild fibrosis may develop. Autoantibodies and cryoglobulins are frequent, whereas the associated clinical manifestations are rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Garazzino
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy,
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Butsashvili M, Kamkamidze G, Topuridze M, Morse D, Triner W, DeHovitz J, Nelson K, McNutt LA. Associated factors for recommending HBV vaccination to children among Georgian health care workers. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:362. [PMID: 23256746 PMCID: PMC3544730 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and subsequent liver diseases can be prevented with universal newborn HBV vaccination. The attitudes of health care workers about HBV vaccination and their willingness to recommend vaccine have been shown to impact HBV vaccination coverage and the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the factors associated with health care worker recommendations regarding newborn HBV vaccination. Methods A cross-sectional study of prevalence and awareness of hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccine was conducted among randomly selected physicians and nurses employed in seven hospitals in Georgia in 2006 and 2007. Self-administered questionnaires included a module on recommendations for HBV, HCV and HIV. Results Of the 1328 participants included in this analysis, 36% reported recommending against hepatitis B vaccination for children, including 33% of paediatricians. Among the 70.6% who provided a reason for not recommending HBV vaccine, the most common concern was an adverse vaccine event. Unvaccinated physicians and nurses were more likely to recommend against HBV vaccine (40.4% vs 11.4%, PR 3.54; 95% CI: 2.38, 5.29). Additionally, health care worker age was inversely correlated with recommendations for HBV vaccine with older workers less likely to recommend it. Conclusion Vaccinating health care workers against HBV may provide a dual benefit by boosting occupational safety as well as strengthening universal coverage programs for newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Butsashvili
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, 9 Asatiani st,, Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia.
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Lee MJ, Jin YH, Kim K, Choi Y, Kim HC, Park S. Expression of hepatitis B virus x protein in hepatocytes suppresses CD8 T cell activity. Immune Netw 2010; 10:126-34. [PMID: 20844737 PMCID: PMC2939357 DOI: 10.4110/in.2010.10.4.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CD8+ T cells contribute to the clearance of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and an insufficient CD8+ T cell response may be one of the major factors leading to chronic HBV infection. Since the HBx antigen of HBV can up-regulate cellular expression of several immunomodulatory molecules, we hypothesized that HBx expression in hepatocytes might affect CD8+ T cell activity. Methods We analyzed the activation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells co-cultured with primary hepatocytes rendered capable of expressing HBx by recombinant baculovirus infection. Results Expression of HBx in hepatocytes induced low production of interferon-γ and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells, with no effect on CD8 T cell proliferation. However, transcriptional levels of H-2K, ICAM-1 and PD-1 ligand did not correlate with HBx expression in hepatocytes. Conclusion Our results suggest that HBx may inhibit CD8+ T cell response by regulation of interferon-γ production and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jin Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 442-721, Korea
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Immunogenicity and safety of combined intradermal recombinant Hepatitis B with BCG vaccines at birth. Vaccine 2007; 26:647-52. [PMID: 18155811 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2007] [Revised: 11/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This randomized, prospective, non-inferiority study aimed to quantify anti-HBs titers induced by recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine from healthy infants vaccinated with combined Hepatitis B and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines (HbsAg 10 microg plus BCG suspension 0.1mg) and compare them to titers obtained with separated vaccines. Infants were immunized at birth either with combined intradermal (ID) BCG and Hepatitis B or ID BCG alone and intramuscular (IM) Hepatitis B. Both groups received IM Hepatitis B at 1 and 6 months of age. After the third dose anti-HBs titers > or =10 IU/mL were observed in 99% of vaccinees and > or =1000 IU/mL in 71%. There were no adverse events in both groups. Combination of HbsAg with BCG as first dose did not modify the profile of the humoral immune response for Hepatitis B indicating safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine in newborn.
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Abstract
In countries with a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B, perinatal transmission from mother to infant accounts for the majority of cases of chronic hepatitis B. Passive-active immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine at birth is 95% efficacious in reducing the risk of HBV transmission but is less effective in HBeAg-positive mothers with very high serum HBV DNA levels. In the last 4 weeks of pregnancy lamivudine may provide additional protection in pregnant women who have high-level viremia. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of nucleos(t)ide analogues to treat chronic hepatitis B during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Gambarin-Gelwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1305 York Avenue, 4th floor, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Toussi SS, Abadi J, Rosenberg M, Levanon D. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections in children infected with HIV. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 45:795-8. [PMID: 17712766 DOI: 10.1086/521169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2007] [Accepted: 05/21/2007] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the prevalence and transmission mode of hepatitis B and C in an inner-city, pediatric cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons, as well as the demographic characteristics of the cohort. Hepatitis B or C was found in 13 (5.8%) of 228 children. This analysis suggests that chronic hepatitis is prevalent and should be routinely screened for in the pediatric HIV-infected population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Shelly Toussi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
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Kuloğlu Z, Kansu A, Demirçeken F, Arici ZS, Berberoğlu M, Ocal G, Girgin N. The influence of interferon-alpha and combination interferon-alpha and lamivudine therapy on height and weight in children with chronic hepatitis B infection. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2007; 20:615-20. [PMID: 17642422 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2007.20.5.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the height and weight patterns of children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with and without treatment. METHODS Thirty-four patients with immunoactive CHB randomly assigned to receive interferon-alpha2a (IFN) (5 mIU/m2, 6 months, group I) or IFN (same dose and duration) plus lamivudine (4 mg/kg/day, 24 months) (group II). Fifteen immunotolerant patients (group III) were followed without any treatment. Height (Ht-SDS), weight (Wt-SDS) and growth velocity (GV-SDS) standard deviation scores were monitored for a total of 36 months. RESULTS Ht-SDS was significantly lower in group II than in group I one year after completion of IFN treatment (p < 0.05). Wt-SDS was significantly higher in group I than the other groups two years after completion of IFN treatment (p < 0.05). In groups I and II, the percentage of children showing abnormal GV-SDS decreased once treatment was completed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION CHB does not have deleterious effects on height and weight. Although IFN treatment temporarily compromises weight gain and growth velocity, lamivudine does not have any additional adverse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarife Kuloğlu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Abstract
The UK lags behind its European neighbours in the identification and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Having recognised this problem, national guidelines are evolving based on detailed examination of clinical evidence. This article reviews recommended treatments for hepatitis C virus infection in the UK, recent advances in the understanding of how to use these treatments and new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham S Cooke
- Academic Department of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Level 10, QEQM Building, London W2 1NY, UK.
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Pembrey L, Newell ML, Tovo PA. The management of HCV infected pregnant women and their children European paediatric HCV network. J Hepatol 2005; 43:515-25. [PMID: 16144064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2005.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS As evidence accumulates relating to mother-to-child (vertical) transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), it is timely to draw up guidelines for the clinical management of HCV infected pregnant women and their children. METHODS A review of evidence from the European Paediatric HCV Network (EPHN) prospective study of HCV infected women and their children and other published studies. Meeting of EPHN clinical experts to reach a consensus on recommendations for management. Each recommendation was graded according to the level of evidence. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Although several risk factors for mother-to-child transmission have been identified, none are modifiable and there are currently no interventions available to prevent vertical transmission of HCV. Data on timing of loss of maternal antibodies and reliability of diagnostic tests inform the optimum follow-up schedule for confirmation or exclusion of infection in children born to HCV infected women. Based on the current evidence, routine antenatal screening for HCV should not be introduced and neither elective caesarean section nor avoidance of breastfeeding should be recommended to HCV infected women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HCV. HCV/HIV co-infected women should follow existing HIV guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Pembrey
- Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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