Management of chronic hepatitis B in pregnancy

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and factors associated among pregnant women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem among pregnant women worldwide. Hepatitis B virus is highly infectious and is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women, and evidence is scarce on the pooled seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the pooled seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and factors associated with pregnant women in Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis was employed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews.

DATA SOURCES

Searches were carried out in biomedical databases such as PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Hinari, and the Cochrane Library published in English until June 2023.

METHODS

Observational study designs were selected. Endnote citation manager was used to collect and organize the search outcomes and remove duplicate articles. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and exported to STATA 16.0 software for the analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 48 research articles were included in the final analysis. The pooled estimated sero prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 5.78% (95% confidence interval = 5.14, 6.43). History of abortion (odds ratio = 6.56, 95% confidence interval = 4.88, 8.90), history of blood transfusion (odds ratio = 5.74, 95% confidence interval = 4.04, 8.16), history of hospitalization (odds ratio = 5.40, 95% confidence interval = 3.68, 7.94), history of multiple sexual partner (odds ratio = 5.80, 95% confidence interval = 3.71, 9.05), history of surgical procedure (odds ratio = 7.39, 95% confidence interval = 4.16, 13.14), history of tattooing (odds ratio = 4.59, 95% confidence interval = 2.83, 7.43), and history of tooth extraction (odds ratio = 4.46, 95% confidence interval = 2.42, 8.22) were significantly associated with hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION

The overall pooled prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia is relatively high. Having a history of abortion, blood transfusion, hospitalization, multiple sexual partners, surgical procedures, tattooing, and tooth extraction were found to be risk factors for hepatitis B virus. Therefore, extensive screening programs for hepatitis B virus in all pregnant women in Ethiopia are needed to prevent further infection and decrease the vertical transmission caused by the disease.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD: 42023438522.

A Review of the Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Hepatitis D Virus, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Emerging Therapies

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects about 262 million people worldwide, leading to over 820,000 deaths each year primarily due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The World Health Organization has pledged to eliminate HBV as a health threat by 2030, but currently, no countries are on track to achieve this goal. One of the barriers to HBV elimination is stigma, causing shame, denial, self-isolation, self-rejection, and depression leading to those with chronic HBV less likely to get tested or seek treatment and more likely to conceal their infection. Other barriers include limited access to care and complicated and restrictive clinical practice guidelines. Increasing public and political efforts are necessary to raise awareness, increase access to care, and change screening and treatment guidelines. The current guidance of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recommends testing only if patients are considered at risk, but this has proven to be ineffective. We propose a simplified "test all and treat all" approach with a 5-line guideline for HBV infection. Universal screening and treatment of adults is cost-effective and can prevent transmission by effectively managing chronic HBV. All patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive with detectable HBV-DNA should receive treatment until HBsAg is undetectable for 12 months, as HBV-DNA transmission via blood transfusion can occur even at low viral loads of 16 copies/mL, and mother-to-child transmission is still a risk even with passive-active immunoprophylaxis. Furthermore, clinical outcomes after HBsAg clearance are significantly better than the clinical outcomes of those who remain HBsAg positive.

Residual risk of mother-to-child transmission of HBV despite timely Hepatitis B vaccination: a major challenge to eliminate hepatitis B infection in Cambodia

BACKGROUND

In countries with intermediate or high hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicity, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) represents the main route of chronic HBV infection. There is a paucity of information on HBV MTCT in Cambodia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women and its MTCT rate in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

METHODS

This longitudinal study included two parts, study-1 to screen HBsAg among pregnant women and study-2 to follow up babies of all HBsAg-positive and one-fourth of HBsAg-negative mothers at their delivery and six-month post-partum. Serum or dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected to examine HBV sero-markers by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA), and molecular analyses were performed on HBsAg-positive samples. Structured questionnaires and medical records were used to examine the risk factors for HBV infection. MTCT rate was calculated by HBsAg positivity of 6-month-old babies born to HBsAg-positive mothers and ascertained by the homology of HBV genomes in mother-child pair at 6-month-old.

RESULTS

A total of 1,565 pregnant women were screened, and HBsAg prevalence was 4.28% (67/1565). HBeAg positivity was 41.8% and was significantly associated with high viral load (p < 0.0001). Excluding subjects who dropped out due to restrictions during COVID-19, one out of 35 babies born to HBsAg-positive mothers tested positive for HBsAg at 6 months of age, despite receiving timely HepB birth dose and HBIG, followed by 3 doses of HepB vaccine. Hence the MTCT rate was 2.86%. The mother of the infected baby was positive for HBeAg and had a high HBV viral load (1.2 × 109 copies/mL). HBV genome analysis showed 100% homology between the mother and the child.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings illustrate the intermediate endemicity of HBV infection among pregnant women in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Despite full HepB vaccination, a residual risk of HBV MTCT was observed. This finding supports the recently updated guidelines for the prevention of HBV MTCT in 2021, which integrated screening and antiviral prophylaxis for pregnant women at risk of HBV MTCT. Furthermore, we strongly recommend the urgent implementation of these guidelines nationwide to effectively combat HBV in Cambodia.

Sero-prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Hawassa city public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study design

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) follow-up.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 04 to April 03, 2020. A total of 381 women were selected using systematic random sampling after every two consecutive women. Structured and interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A 2 ml of venous blood sample was drawn from each participant. The plasma was separated from the collected blood samples and was analyzed using a rapid hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kit to determine hepatitis sero status. Data were entered into the EPI-Data version 3.1, then exported to the statistical package for social sciences version 25 software and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of HBsAg B seroprevalence at a p-value <0.05.

Results

The prevalence of HBsAg sero-positivity among pregnant women was 6.6%, 95% CI (4.2, 8.9). History of hosptal admission (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.11; 95% CI = 1.33-12.71), surgical history (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI = 1.93-23.93), history dental procedures (AOR = 4.93; 95% CI = 1.31-18.53), and body tatoo practices (AOR = 6.822; 95% CI = 1.89-24.69) were found to be associated with HBsAg sero-positivity.

Conclusion

This study found that HBsAg sero positivity among pregnant women in the study area was in intermediate edemicity. Factors such as history of hospital admission, history of surgery, history of dental procedures, and body tattoo practices were found to be associated with HBsAg sero-positivity. The government of Ethiopia should strengthen screening of all pregnant women for HBV as a part of routine ANC in ANC clinics and treating if they are positive to prevent mother to child transmission.

Epidemiological trends of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in Malaysia: A single-center observational study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases is recognized to have a geographical variation, which may be due to environmental or genetic differences. We aimed to explore this further in a specialist clinic serving a multi-ethnic Asian urban population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of outpatient data from this institution's electronic medical records was conducted between January and June 2019. Clinical diagnoses of GI and liver diseases and associated demographic information were collected.

RESULTS

Data from 3676 adult patients (median age 62 years, female 51.1%) were available for analysis. The frequency of luminal GI, liver and pancreato-biliary diseases were 34.2%, 63.2%, and 2.6%, respectively. Among luminal GI diseases, 38.6% were functional gastrointestinal disorders and 61.4% had an organic cause. A higher proportion of patients of Indian ethnicity were diagnosed with IBD compared with other ethnic groups (India 21.9%, Malay 16.5%, Chinese 12.2%, P = 0.001). Among liver diseases, the most common etiologies were HBV (44.4%) and NAFLD (39.3%). Cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma were present in 18% of liver diseases, with NAFLD as the most frequent etiology. Among patients with NAFLD, a higher proportion of ethnic Malays and Indians were evident (Malay 53.8% vs Chinese 28.7% vs Indian 61.1%, P < 0.001). In contrast, a greater proportion of ethnic Chinese were diagnosed with HBV compared with other ethnic groups (Malay 30.9% vs Chinese 57.5% vs Indian 8.4%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The spectrum of GI and liver diseases has a peculiar epidemiology, particularly with reference to the ethnic predilection of certain diseases.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Vaccination Strategies to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of the Hepatitis B Virus Using a Markov Model Decision Tree

Objectives

Currently, in China, several strategies exist to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). These include providing Hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) injection with different types of administration and dosages. The aim of this study is threefold: first, to evaluate the economic viability of current hepatitis B vaccination strategies for preventing MTCT from a public health policy perspective; second, to optimize the current immunization strategy for preventing perinatal transmission of the HBV; and third, to offer policy options to the National Health Commission in China.

Methods

To simulate the disease outcome for the entire life of newborns infected with HBV, a Markov model with eight possible health states was built by using TreeAge Pro 2011 software. In the present study, the model parameters were probability and cost, which were extracted from literature and calculated using Microsoft Excel 2013. The optimal immunization strategies were identified through cost-benefit analyses. A benefit-cost ratio (BCR) > 1 indicated that the strategy had positive benefits and vice versa. A one-way sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the stability of the results.

Results

From a public health care system perspective, we evaluated the economic viability of 11 strategies in China. For all 11 strategies, the BCR was > 1, which indicated that the benefits of all the strategies were greater than the costs. We recommended strategy number 9 as being optimal. In strategy number 9, babies born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers were given an HBIG (200 IU) within 24 h of birth and three injections of hepatitis -B vaccine (20-μg each) at 0, 1, and 6 months, and the strategy had a BCR of 4.61. The one-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the full vaccination coverage and effective rates of protection were two factors that greatly influenced the BCR of the different prevention strategies; other factors had little effect.

Conclusion

The benefits of all strategies were greater than the costs. For decision-making and application, the strategy should be based on local socio-economic conditions so that an appropriate immunization strategy can be selected.

Distribution Evaluation of Tenofovir in the Breast Milk of Mothers With HBeAg-Positive Chronic HBV Infection After Treatment With Tenofovir Alafenamide and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate by a Sensitive UPLC-MS/MS Method

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a novel prodrug of tenofovir (TFV) that has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It has greater plasma stability and more favorable renal safety than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), the first approved oral prodrug of TFV. However, the distribution of TFV in the breast milk of mothers treated with TAF is still unclear. In this study, sixteen participants with chronic HBV infection were enrolled and received antiretroviral therapy with 25 mg of TAF or 300 mg of TDF daily from 24 to 28 weeks of gestation until the 4th week postpartum. For the first time, the distribution of TFV in the breast milk of mothers with chronic HBV infection treated with TAF and its difference from TDF were evaluated by using a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (1.7 µm 2.1 × 100 mm). Mass spectrometry analysis was performed in positive electrospray ionization mode and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) conditions of transitions m/z 288.1→176.2 for TFV. This method was linear from 0.5 to 500 ng/ml. Surprisingly, on the third postpartum day, the median Cmax of TFV in the breast milk was much higher in the mothers treated with TAF (101.2 ng/ml) than TDF (21.6 ng/ml) at a similar Tmax of 4 h. Accordingly, the median AUC0-8 value was 755.6 ng h/mL in the mothers taking TAF, which was at a 5-fold higher level than TDF. The concentration of TFV in the breast milk of mothers in both groups decreased with increasing lactation time. These data indicated that there was a relatively higher exposure of TFV in the breast milk of mothers taking TAF, despite the lower dosage compared to TDF. This study provides support for further evaluating the safety of breastfeeding after the administration of TAF and TDF.

A systematic review of the maternal and neonatal complications in hepatitis B infection

The association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and maternal, obstetric and newborn outcomes remains controversial, as previous studies have reported conflicting and inconsistent results on the matter. The aim was to investigate whether HBV infection increases the risk of maternal, obstetric and newborn complications. We conducted a systematic literature review, according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were observational cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies, comparing maternal, obstetric or newborn complications in HBV-infected and uninfected pregnant women. PubMed was searched for published literature in English, with no date restrictions, using combinations of keywords. The titles and abstracts were independently screened for eligibility by three authors. Two authors assessed the quality of each included study and no meta-analysis was performed. We retrieved 275 records and included 15 papers. The methodological and statistical heterogeneity as well as a great variation on the types of maternal, obstetric and newborn complications studied did not allow quantitative analysis of results and conclusions about the level of evidence. Seven studies are of good quality, which makes their results more reliable. Three of them revealed that maternal HBV infection increased the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension, fetal distress and macrosomia. These three studies were performed in China and the one with the largest number of participants only included women from rural areas. Larger, more robust, well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed. These must include adjusted estimates for confounding factors, such as other possible complications determinants, like the antenatal care quality.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus among children of HBsAg-positive mothers in Hebron district, Palestine

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major causative agent of chronic hepatitis causing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, its transmission is likely to be minimized through vaccination. The study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B among children born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive women in Hebron district/Palestine.

METHODS

The overall number of women enrolled in this study was 125, all children of these mothers [386] were tested, out of which 42 were HBsAg-positive. The recruited participants were asked about their socio-demographic details including age, place of residence, occupation, level of education, as well as questions related to expected route of exposure to the virus and the type of vaccination they provided to their newborns. The results were explained based on the descriptive statistics that included frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS

The results showed that the prevalence of HBsAg among children born to HBsAg-positive mothers was 10.9% (42 positive children out of 386). Moreover, (33.6%) of the HBsAg-positive women had family history of hepatitis B infection. Transmission of hepatitis B among children of HBsAg-positive mothers was found in the low socio-economic class in the rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that the prevalence of HBsAg among children born to HBsAg-positive mothers was high among the families living in villages with low to moderate income.

[Seroprevalence and factors associated with viral hepatitis B among pregnant women in Parakou, Republic of Benin]

L'objectif est de déterminer la séroprévalence et les facteurs associés à l'hépatite virale B chez les gestantes au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental du Borgou (CHUD-B). Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale à visée descriptive et analytique avec recueil prospectif des données. Elle a porté sur les gestantes suivies et/ou ayant accouchées au CHUD-B du 1^er avril 2017 au 30 juin 2017. Étaient incluses, celles ayant données leur consentement à participer à l'étude. Les variables étudiées étaient les données sociodémographiques des gestantes et le résultat de l'AgHBs. La recherche de l'AgHBs sur les prélèvements sanguins des gestantes était faite par un test biologique de diagnostic rapide. Les résultats positifs étaient confirmés par la technique ELISA. Deux cent quatorze (214) gestantes étaient incluses dans l'étude. Leur âge moyen était de 26,73 ± 5,68 ans. L'âge médian de la grossesse en cours était de 31 semaines d'aménorrhée (SA) avec des extrêmes de 4 SA et 42 SA. Parmi elles, 30 femmes étaient dépistées positives à l'AgHBs soit une prévalence de 14,02%. Les facteurs associés à ce portage étaient la pratique des scarifications, l'antécédent personnel d'ictère et les antécédents familiaux d'hépatite virale B. La séroprévalence de l'hépatite virale B chez les gestantes au CHUD-B est élevée ce qui rend bien compte du problème majeur de santé publique que pose l'infection par le virus de l'hépatite B sous nos cieux.

Effect of viral load on pregnancy outcomes in chronic hepatitis B infection

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate perinatal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus infection based on infection status and to identify cut-off values based on hepatitis B virus DNA viral load to predict composite adverse perinatal/neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

Pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus who delivered at Hacettepe University between 2010 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. We included 95 patients. The patients were classified into two groups based on laboratory findings and viral load: group 1 (n = 63), immune inactive; and group 2 (n = 32), immune active. Maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational week at birth, birth weight, 5th minute APGAR scores and composite perinatal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Gestational week at birth, birth weight and 5th minute APGAR score in group 2 were lower than those in group 1 (P < 0.001, P < 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively). The rates of composite adverse perinatal/neonatal outcome, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, pre-eclampsia, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, small for gestational age and 5th minute APGAR score less than 7 were significantly higher in group 2 (P < 0.001). Hepatitis B virus DNA viral load of 17 515 IU/mL (72.7% sensitivity, 78.1% specificity) and 17 515 IU/mL (81.8% sensitivity, 80.8% specificity) were determined to be cut-off values for composite adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Care should be taken in patients with a viral load of greater than 17 515 IU/mL, and pregnancy should be postponed until the inactive phase of the disease for optimal results.

Perinatal management of hepatitis B virus: Clinical implementation of updated Australasian management guidelines

Objective

To evaluate the implementation of the 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 'Management of Hepatitis B in Pregnancy' guideline.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of the clinical management and obstetric outcomes among hepatitis B virus-positive women in a single tertiary maternity hospital. Women with viral load >200,000 IU/ml were referred to a specialised clinic for consideration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy to reduce mother to child transmission.

Results

A total of 11,496 women gave birth during the study period, of which 101 (0.9%) women were hepatitis B virus positive. Viral load was measured in 99 (98%) of 101 hepatitis B virus-positive women; 30 (30%) had a viral load >200,000 IU/ml. Twenty-six women accepted tenofovir disoproxil fumarate; of these, 23 had a successful virological response (viral load <200,000 IU/ml before delivery).

Conclusions

Adherence to updated management guidelines and patient acceptance of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in our Australian population were high when provided in the context of a dedicated perinatal service.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B infection among mothers and children with hepatitis B infected mother in upper Dolpa, Nepal

Background

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. In Nepal, the prevalence of HBV is found to be low (0.9%), although high prevalence (≥8%) of HBV infection is depicted among subgroup/population in the mountain region by various studies. This study assessed the prevalence and the risk of HBV infection among mothers, as well as among the youngest child under 5 years old living with hepatitis B positive mothers in Dolpa, the most remote mountain district of Nepal.

Methods

The cross sectional study survey was conducted between June and July 2014. All mothers with their youngest child under 5 years old were invited to participate in the survey and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The HBsAg positive mothers were further tested by 5-panel HBV test card. Children living with HBsAg positive mothers were also tested for HBsAg.

Results

One hundred fifty-one mothers, comprising 37% of the total study population in the selected Village Development Committees (VDCs), were surveyed in the mobile health camps. The seroprevalence of HBsAg among mothers and their youngest child under 5 years old living with HBsAg positive mothers were 17% (95% CI, 11.01–22.99%) and 48% (95%CI, 28.42–67.58%) respectively.

The majority of HBV infected mothers were indigenous (84%) followed by Dalit (4%) and other castes (12%). Among HBV infected mothers, 40% were hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) positive. The prevalence of HBsAg was higher among children living with HBeAg positive mothers as compared to HBeAg negative (60% vs 40%) and male children compared to female (60% vs 33%). Thirty-six percent of children were vaccinated with a full course of the hepatitis B vaccine. Of these vaccinated children, 56% were HBsAg sero-positive.

Conclusions

The HBV infection rate is high among mothers and children living with HBsAg positive mothers in the indigenous population of the most remote mountain community of Nepal.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Preconception Period Among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural China - A Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during pregnancy is associated with perinatal complications and poor maternal and fetal outcomes. There is a lack of reports on HBV infection screening, prophylaxis, and/or treatment in preconception period among women planning a pregnancy. This study is to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of HBV infection among rural women of reproductive age planning pregnancy within 6 months, in different geographical regions of China.

METHODS

A population-based, cross-sectional, sero-survey of HBV infection among women intending to get pregnant within 6 months was carried out as a part of the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project covering 31 provinces in mainland China between 2010-12. General information (age, residence status, race, education, and occupation), HBV infection and vaccination history was collected. Results of HBV serological test panel were recorded for analysis.

RESULTS

Of 2 120 131 women, 2 028 361 (95.7%) samples of HBV serology were available for analysis. Participating women were of young age (median 28.1 years), mostly engaged in agricultural activities (78.1%), and had high school education or lower (89.6%). The overall prevalence of HBsAg sero-positivity was 4.9%, which corresponds to an intermediate epidemic, with a wide geographical variation that ranged from 1.1% in Shanxi to 13.0% in Tibet. 90.1% women were susceptible to HBV with a 24.5% self-reported HBV vaccination rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant regional differences in HBV prevalence, and a vast majority of women of childbearing age being susceptible to HBV, calls for a targeted HBV screening and vaccination strategy for women and their offspring in rural China.

Sequential telbivudine/lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy for preventing mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus

AIM: To assess the value of sequential telbivudine/lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) therapy in preventing mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV).

METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight enrolled pregnant women were divided into a telbivudine group, a lamivudine group, an HBIG group and a non-preventive group, and they were given the respective drug for preventing mother-to-infant transmission of HBV. At gestational week 12, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, HBV genotyping, drug resistance related mutations and natural killer cells were detected. Newborns were routinely injected with hepatitis B vaccine, and the HBIG group was additionally given HBIG 200 IU at birth, 3 and 12 wk after birth. Serum levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were detected at birth and 24 wk after birth. The safety of telbivudine and lamivudine was evaluated.

RESULTS: At 12 wk after receiving antiviral drugs, HBV DNA level was significantly reduced in the telbivudine and lamivudine groups compared with the non-preventive group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in gestational age, mean weight or Apgar score of newborns in each group. In addition, no significant difference was observed in alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, HBV genotype, drug resistance related mutations or natural killer cells in each group.

CONCLUSION: HBV DNA level can be significantly inhibited by sequential telbivudine/lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy in pregnant women with high viral load, which can prevent mother-to-infant transmission of HBV.

Viral hepatitis vaccination during pregnancy

Viral hepatitis is a serious global public health problem. It is also a common cause of jaundice and gestational complications in pregnant women. Moreover, infected mothers can transmit the virus to their fetus or neonate, which may increase disease burden and decrease quality of life. To date, commercial vaccines have been developed for hepatitis A, B, and E and are available to the general population. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices currently accepts emergency vaccination against hepatitis A and B during pregnancy due to benefits that overweight the potential risks. While there are limited data from trials with limited numbers of samples that suggest the efficacy or safety of hepatitis B and E vaccines in pregnant women, additional data are necessary to provide evidence of vaccination during pregnancy.

[Hepatitis B and pregnancy. Part 1. Thirteen practical issues in antenatal period]

In France, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is about 1% in pregnant women (usually asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg). The risk of maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis B is particularly high when viral load measured by PCR is higher in mothers (above 7 log) or HBeAg is present. In case of maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis B, the risk to the newborn of developing subsequent chronic hepatitis B is very high (90%), with long-term complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevention of maternal-fetal transmission is based on systematic testing for hepatitis B during pregnancy, followed by serovaccination of the newborn at birth. If necessary, amniocentesis can be realised but will avoid the realization of a transplacental gesture. In case of high viral load, the establishment of a maternal antiviral treatment with lamivudine or tenofovir from 28SA can further reduce the risk of transmission. Given the low resistance it induces, tenofovir should be used preferentially.

Management of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: Propositions and challenges

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) during perinatal period remains an important global health problem. Despite standard passive-active immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine in neonates, up to 9% of newborns still acquire HBV infection, especially these from hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive mothers. Management of HBV infection in pregnancy still need to draw careful attention because of some controversial aspects, including the failure of passive-active immunoprophylaxis in a fraction of newborns, the effect and necessity of periodical hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) injection to the mothers, the safety of antiviral prophylaxis with nucleoside/nucleotide analogs, the benefit of different delivery ways, and the safety of breastfeeding. In this review, we highlight these unsettled issues of preventive strategies in perinatal period, and we further aim to provide an optimal approach to the management of preventing MTCT of HBV infection.

Evaluation of hepatitis B virus transmission and antiviral therapy among hepatitis B surface antigen-positive pregnant women

AIM

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vertical transmission among Turkish parturient women and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antiviral agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from 114 HBV-infected pregnant women and their infants in eight health institutions in Turkey.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of the women were: mean age, 28.3 ± 5.2 years; alanine aminotransferase, 57.4 ± 139.0 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase, 56.6 ± 150.0 U/L; and HBV DNA, 8.3 × 10(7) ± 2.6 × 10(8) copies/mL. Family history of HBV infection was detected in 53.5% (n = 61). In total, 60 (52.6%) pregnant women received tenofovir (60.0%), lamivudine (33.3%) or telbivudine (6.7%) therapy at the median gestational age of 22.2 ± 8.5 (1-36) weeks. All infants were vaccinated and hepatitis B immune globulin was administered, with 81 of them (71.1%) available for follow-up. After completion of HBV vaccination course, 71 (87.7%) infants had protective anti-HBs levels, three (3.7%) were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, and seven (8.6%) were hepatitis B surface antigen-negative with nonprotective anti-HBs levels. Five of the infants had low gestational birthweight but no other birth defects were observed.

CONCLUSION

According to our results, viral load may not be the only effecting factor for transmission of HBV to children of infected mothers. Pregnant women with high viral load should be followed-up closely during pregnancy. They should begin to take tenofovir or telbivudine, which are category B drugs for pregnancy, at the beginning of the third trimester at the latest. We need new treatment strategies; and close follow-up of mothers and children is another important issue.

Impact of hepatitis B virus carrier serostatus on neonatal outcomes after IVF-ET

An increasing number of infertile, hepatitis B virus-infected individuals have opted for assisted reproductive technology. However, the impact of the hepatitis B virus carrier serostatus on neonatal outcomes has not been evaluated. Data from 504 patients who delivered singletons were analyzed. In females, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, and antibody to hepatitis core antigen seropositivity significantly decreased the gestational age at delivery. In contrast, the male hepatitis B virus serostatus did not affect the gestational age at delivery. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that maternal weight, gestational age at delivery, and infant gender were significantly related to birth weight. The present retrospective study showed that in females, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, and antibody to hepatitis core antigen seropositivity was significantly associated with the gestational age at delivery after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

Molecular oncology testing in resource-limited settings

Cancer prevalence and mortality are high in developing nations, where resources for cancer control are inadequate. Nearly one-quarter of cancers in resource-limited nations are infection related, and molecular assays can capitalize on this relationship by detecting pertinent pathogen genomes and human gene variants to identify those at highest risk for progression to cancer, to classify lesions, to predict effective therapy, and to monitor tumor burden over time. Prime examples are human papillomavirus in cervical neoplasia, Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus in gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma, and hepatitis B or C virus in hepatocellular cancer. Research is underway to engineer devices that overcome social, economic, and technical barriers limiting effective laboratory support. Additional challenges include an educated workforce, infrastructure for quality metrics and record keeping, and funds to sustain molecular test services. The combination of well-designed interfaces, novel and robust electrochemical technology, and telemedicine tools will promote adoption by frontline providers. Fast turnaround is crucial for surmounting loss to follow-up, although increased use of cell phones, even in rural areas, enhances options for patient education and engagement. Links to a broadband network facilitate consultation and centralized storage of medical data. Molecular technology shows promise to address gaps in health care through rapid, user-friendly, and cost-effective devices reflecting clinical priorities in resource-poor areas.

Individualized management of pregnant women with high hepatitis B virus DNA levels

Hepatitis B is a major health concern in the Asia-Pacific region, and is endemic in China, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may cause hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is estimated that there are more than 350 million chronic HBV carriers worldwide, of whom approximately one quarter will die of chronic hepatitis B-related liver diseases. HBV is transmitted horizontally through blood and blood products or by sexual transmission, and vertically from mother to infant. Perinatal infection is the predominant mode of transmission in countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriage, and perinatal transmission leads to high rates of chronic infection. Therefore, it is important to prevent the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV. Research has shown that pregnant women with high HBV DNA levels have an increased risk of MTCT. However, most of the obstetrics guidelines do not make a distinction between pregnant women with high HBV DNA levels and those who are HBsAg positive only. This review addresses the management of pregnant women with high levels of HBV viremia, in terms of antiviral therapy, use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), the combined application of hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG, choice of delivery mode and feeding practices.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus

About 240 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Vertical transmission is the most important mechanism of infection persistence in endemic areas. About 150 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Mother-to-child transmission of HCV, which occurs in 3-10% of cases, is the leading route of infection in childhood. This review focuses on strategies to reduce the vertical transmission of HBV and HCV. The at-birth prophylaxis of newborns of HBV-infected mothers with specific immunoglobulin and vaccine plus administration of antivirals (tenofovir or telbivudine) in the third trimester of pregnancy (in case of high maternal viral load) greatly reduces the risk of transmission. In contrast, currently there is no drug able to reduce the vertical transmission of HCV infection. We discuss the possibility of reducing mother-to-child HCV transmission using newly available antivirals or antivirals in the pipeline for the treatment of hepatitis C.

HBV perinatal transmission

Hepatitis B is a serious public health problem all around the world. It is a blood-borne and sexually transmitted DNA virus in adults, but mother to child transmission of hepatitis B virus also occurs in infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen positive mothers.