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Abbasi F, Almukhtar M, Fazlollahpour-Naghibi A, Alizadeh F, Behzad Moghadam K, Jafari Tadi M, Ghadimi S, Bagheri K, Babaei H, Bijani MH, Rouholamin S, Razavi M, Rezaeinejad M, Chemaitelly H, Sepidarkish M, Farid-Mojtahedi M, Rostami A. Hepatitis C infection seroprevalence in pregnant women worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 66:102327. [PMID: 38045801 PMCID: PMC10692665 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Monitoring progress towards the WHO global target to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, entails reliable prevalence estimates for HCV infection in different populations. Little is known about the global burden of HCV infection in pregnant women. Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we estimated the global and regional seroprevalence of HCV antibody (Ab) and determinants in pregnant women. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SciELO databases for peer-reviewed observational studies between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2023, without language or geographical restrictions. Pooled global seroprevalence (and 95% confidence interval, CI) were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis and seroprevalences were categorised according to World Health Organization regions and subregions, publishing year, countries' income and human development index (HDI) levels. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of four large sample size studies on pooled global prevalence through the "leave-one-out" method. We also investigated the association of potential risk factors with HCV seropositivity in pregnant women by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The Protocol was registered in PROSPERO CRD42023423259. Findings We included 192 eligible studies (208 datasets), with data for 148,509,760 pregnant women from 53 countries. The global seroprevalence of HCV Ab in pregnant women was 1.80% (95% CI, 1.72-1.89%) and 3.29% (3.01-3.57%) in overall and sensitivity analyses, respectively. The seroprevalence was highest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (6.21%, 4.39-8.29%) and lowest in the Western Pacific region (0.75%, 0.38-1.22%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the seroprevalence of HCV Ab among pregnant women was significantly higher for those with opioid use disorder (51.94%, 95% CI: 37.32-66.39) and HIV infection (4.34%, 95% CI: 2.21-7.06%) than for the general population of pregnant women (1.08%, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15%), as confirmed by multivariable meta-regression (p < 0.001). A significant decreasing trend was observed with increasing human development index levels. Other important risk factors for HCV seropositivity included older age, lower educational levels, poly sexual activity, history of blood transfusion, hospitalization, surgery, abortion and sexual transmitted diseases, having scarification/tattoo or piercing, and testing hepatitis B positive. Interpretation This meta-analysis showed relatively high burden of exposure to HCV infection (2.2-5.3 million) in pregnant women globally. However, due to substantial heterogeneity between studies, our estimates might be different than the true seroprevalence. Our findings highlighted the need to expand HCV screening for women of reproductive age or during pregnancy, particularly in countries with high prevalence; as well as for more studies that assess safety of existing therapeutic drugs during pregnancy or potentially support development of drugs for pregnant women. Funding There was no funding source for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Abbasi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Andarz Fazlollahpour-Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Faezeh Alizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Mehrdad Jafari Tadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Saleh Ghadimi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hedye Babaei
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Bijani
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Safoura Rouholamin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Razavi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahroo Rezaeinejad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Maryam Farid-Mojtahedi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Williamson C, Nana M, Poon L, Kupcinskas L, Painter R, Taliani G, Heneghan M, Marschall HU, Beuers U. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of liver diseases in pregnancy. J Hepatol 2023; 79:768-828. [PMID: 37394016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Liver diseases in pregnancy comprise both gestational liver disorders and acute and chronic hepatic disorders occurring coincidentally in pregnancy. Whether related to pregnancy or pre-existing, liver diseases in pregnancy are associated with a significant risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Thus, the European Association for the Study of Liver Disease invited a panel of experts to develop clinical practice guidelines aimed at providing recommendations, based on the best available evidence, for the management of liver disease in pregnancy for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, obstetric physicians, general physicians, obstetricians, specialists in training and other healthcare professionals who provide care for this patient population.
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Rana R, Dangal R, Singh Y, Gurung RB, Rai B, Sharma AK. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Pregnancy and Children: Its Implications and Treatment Considerations with Directly Acting Antivirals: A Review. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2021; 59:942-953. [PMID: 35199739 PMCID: PMC9107891 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.5501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is a global health problem affecting >71 million people worldwide with chronic hepatitis C, 40% reproductive age group, and 8% pregnant women. Intravenous drug abuse, multi-transfusions are major risk factors in adults, while vertical transmission in pediatric population. It commonly presents as a chronic liver disease, has higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, proper screening of high-risk populations including pregnancy is recommended. All diagnosed chronic hepatitis C cases should be treated with directly acting anti-virals (DAAs) including pre-conception which has a cure rate of >95%. This would reduce the disease burden, vertical transmission, and disability associated. However, no DAAs regimens recommendation till date due to lack of evidence on adverse fetal outcomes and are concerned about the pharmacokinetic effect regarding physiological changes during pregnancy. Therefore, in this review, we have tried to explore the possible use of DAAs regimens and their safety issues during pregnancy, and possible consideration of few pan-genotypic regimens in the late 2nd and early 3rd trimester. This would not only prevent vertical transmission and decrease disease burden but also help to meet the WHO 2030 target of HCV elimination as a major public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Rana
- Department of Medicine, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, Ungoofaaru, RAA Atoll, Maldives
- Department of Medicine, Laligurash Hospital, Talchhikhel-14, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Rajkumar Dangal
- Dolakha Hospital, Kathmandu University-affiliated Hospital, Dolakha, Nepal
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Department of Medicine, Laligurash Hospital, Talchhikhel-14, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Ram Bahadur Gurung
- Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Endoscopy Training Center, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medicine, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Bhim Rai
- West Mersea GP Practice, Mersea Island, Colchester, UK
| | - Amit Kumar Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Laligurash Hospital, Talchhikhel-14, Lalitpur, Nepal
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Susich M, Hersh AR, Greiner K, Chaiken SR, Caughey AB. A cost-effectiveness analysis of universal hepatitis C screening in all United States pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7381-7388. [PMID: 34392786 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1949442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of universal screening for HCV among all pregnant women in the United States. METHODS We designed a decision-analytic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and outcomes associated with universal HCV screening in pregnancy compared to no screening. A theoretical cohort of 3.9 million women, the approximate number of annual live births in the United States was used. Outcomes included hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensated cirrhosis, liver transplant and death, in addition to cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Model inputs were derived from the literature and the willingness-to-pay threshold was $100,000 per QALY. Sensitivity analysis were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. RESULTS In a theoretical cohort of 3.9 million women, universal HCV screening resulted in 3003 fewer cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 1484 fewer decompensated cirrhosis, 46 fewer liver transplants and 2665 fewer deaths from HCV when compared to no screening. Universal HCV screening was found to be the dominant strategy, meaning it resulted in lower costs and higher QALYs. Sensitivity analyses showed our model was robust over a wide range of assumptions. CONCLUSION Among pregnant women in the United States, universal HCV screening is cost effective compared with no screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Susich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Alyssa R Hersh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Karen Greiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sarina R Chaiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Aaron B Caughey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Auriti C, De Rose DU, Santisi A, Martini L, Piersigilli F, Bersani I, Ronchetti MP, Caforio L. Pregnancy and viral infections: Mechanisms of fetal damage, diagnosis and prevention of neonatal adverse outcomes from cytomegalovirus to SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166198. [PMID: 34118406 PMCID: PMC8883330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Some maternal infections, contracted before or during pregnancy, can be transmitted to the fetus, during gestation (congenital infection), during labor and childbirth (perinatal infection) and through breastfeeding (postnatal infection). The agents responsible for these infections can be viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi. Among the viruses most frequently responsible for congenital infections are Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex 1–2, Herpes virus 6, Varicella zoster. Moreover Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV, Parvovirus B19 and non-polio Enteroviruses when contracted during pregnancy may involve the fetus or newborn at birth. Recently, new viruses have emerged, SARS-Cov-2 and Zika virus, of which we do not yet fully know the characteristics and pathogenic power when contracted during pregnancy. Viral infections in pregnancy can damage the fetus (spontaneous abortion, fetal death, intrauterine growth retardation) or the newborn (congenital anomalies, organ diseases with sequelae of different severity). Some risk factors specifically influence the incidence of transmission to the fetus: the timing of the infection in pregnancy, the order of the infection, primary or reinfection or chronic, the duration of membrane rupture, type of delivery, socio-economic conditions and breastfeeding. Frequently infected neonates, symptomatic at birth, have worse outcomes than asymptomatic. Many asymptomatic babies develop long term neurosensory outcomes. The way in which the virus interacts with the maternal immune system, the maternal-fetal interface and the placenta explain these results and also the differences that are observed from time to time in the fetal‑neonatal outcomes of maternal infections. The maternal immune system undergoes functional adaptation during pregnancy, once thought as physiological immunosuppression. This adaptation, crucial for generating a balance between maternal immunity and fetus, is necessary to promote and support the pregnancy itself and the growth of the fetus. When this adaptation is upset by the viral infection, the balance is broken, and the infection can spread and lead to the adverse outcomes previously described. In this review we will describe the main viral harmful infections in pregnancy and the potential mechanisms of the damages on the fetus and newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Auriti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Domenico Umberto De Rose
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Santisi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Martini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fiammetta Piersigilli
- Department of Neonatology, St-Luc University Hospital, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Iliana Bersani
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Ronchetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Caforio
- Fetal and Perinatal Medicine and Surgery Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Terrault NA, Levy MT, Cheung KW, Jourdain G. Viral hepatitis and pregnancy. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:117-130. [PMID: 33046891 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00361-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The management of viral hepatitis in the setting of pregnancy requires special consideration. There are five liver-specific viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E), each with unique epidemiology, tendency to chronicity, risk of liver complications and response to antiviral therapies. In the setting of pregnancy, the liver health of the mother, the influence of pregnancy on the clinical course of the viral infection and the effect of the virus or liver disease on the developing infant must be considered. Although all hepatitis viruses can harm the mother and the child, the greatest risk to maternal health and subsequently the fetus is seen with acute hepatitis A virus or hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy. By contrast, the primary risks for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus are related to the severity of the underlying liver disease in the mother and the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) for HBV and HCV. The prevention of MTCT is key to reducing the global burden of chronic viral hepatitis, and prevention strategies must take into consideration local health-care and socioeconomic challenges. This Review presents the epidemiology of acute and chronic viral hepatitis infection in pregnancy, the effect of pregnancy on the course of viral infection and, conversely, the influence of the viral infection on maternal and infant outcomes, including MTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Terrault
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Miriam T Levy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver, Liverpool Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gonzague Jourdain
- French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Marseille, France.,Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Sarkar M, Brady CW, Fleckenstein J, Forde KA, Khungar V, Molleston JP, Afshar Y, Terrault NA. Reproductive Health and Liver Disease: Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2021; 73:318-365. [PMID: 32946672 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sarkar
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean P Molleston
- Indiana University and Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Yalda Afshar
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Hatashita H, Cooper C. An evaluation of knowledge and concerns in women of child-bearing potential living with chronic hepatitis C infection. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:294-299. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2019-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is little research focused on women living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). We evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and concerns of women living with HCV of child-bearing potential. We specifically focused on pregnancy-related and child rearing issues. Methods: Fifteen women aged 29 to 45 seen at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Program between July 2017 and June 2018 consented and completed a questionnaire. Eighty percent were born in Canada. The average duration of infection was 7.2 years. Results: The majority (67%–93%) of respondents reported health concerns, fear of stigma, and shame related to their HCV diagnoses. Most (80%) feared transmitting HCV to their partner. Women are more willing to seek a partner and/or have children if they are cured of HCV. HCV-specific knowledge—as it pertains to transmission risk and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) safety during pregnancy and child rearing—was suboptimal and did not correlate with education level. All participants expressed a high degree of desire to receive DAA therapy. Conclusions: Better strategies to increase HCV-specific knowledge in women of child-bearing potential are required. Efforts to increase screening and treatment access in this population are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Dibba P, Cholankeril R, Li AA, Patel M, Fayek M, Dibble C, Okpara N, Hines A, Ahmed A. Hepatitis C in Pregnancy. Diseases 2018; 6:E31. [PMID: 29702563 PMCID: PMC6023348 DOI: 10.3390/diseases6020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis C in pregnancy is as high as 3.6% in large cohorts. The prevalence of hepatitis C acquired by vertical transmission is 0.2% to 0.4% in the United States and Europe. Although screening is not recommended in the absence of certain risk factors, the importance of understanding hepatitis C in pregnancy lies in its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is potential for those infants infected by vertical transmission to develop chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of vertical transmission is increased when mothers are co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or possess a high viral load. There is no clear data supporting that mode of delivery increases or reduces risk. Breastfeeding is not associated with increased risk of transmission. Premature rupture of membranes, invasive procedures (such as amniocentesis), intrapartum events, or fetal scalp monitoring may increase risk of transmission. In pregnant patients, hepatitis C is diagnosed with a positive ELISA-3 and detectable Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA viral load. Infants born to HCV-infected mothers should be tested for either HCV RNA on at least two separate occasions. Although prevention is not possible, there may be a role for newer direct acting anti-viral medications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Dibba
- Department of Gastroenterology, Women & Infants Hospital/Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Rosann Cholankeril
- Department of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908, USA.
| | - Andrew A Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Meera Patel
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Mariam Fayek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Women & Infants Hospital/Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Christy Dibble
- Department of Gastroenterology, Women & Infants Hospital/Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Nnenna Okpara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Women & Infants Hospital/Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Autumn Hines
- Department of Gastroenterology, Women & Infants Hospital/Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.
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