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Hepatitis and Pregnancy Uncovering the Impact of HBV and HCV on Maternal and Neonatal Health

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by

Vishnu
in

Introduction
Chronic hepatitis infections, particularly those caused by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), pose unique risks during pregnancy. Understanding how these infections influence birth outcomes can empower both patients and healthcare providers to make more informed decisions. Visit https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com for more groundbreaking research on maternal health and infectious diseases.

Key Findings from the Study

A recent study published in Clinical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology analyzed pregnancy outcomes in 157 HBV-infected women, 53 HCV-infected women, and a control group of 330 healthy pregnant women. Let’s break down the critical insights:

Neonatal Outcomes

  • Birth Weight: Neonates born to HBV- and HCV-infected mothers had lower average weights (3,347g and 3,366g respectively) compared to those of healthy mothers (3,517g).
  • Apgar Scores: The average 5-minute Apgar scores were slightly lower among infected groups (HBV: 9.4, HCV: 9.3) than the control group (9.7).

Prematurity and Miscarriage Rates

  • Premature births were significantly more common in infected pregnancies—14.6% for HBV and 24.5% for HCV compared to only 6.96% among healthy mothers.
  • Miscarriages were more prevalent in HCV-infected pregnancies (9.4%) than in the control group (1.8%).

Symptoms During Pregnancy

HCV-positive women reported a higher occurrence of:

  • Pruritus (10.5%)
  • Edema (9.4%)
  • Hypertension (9.4%)

These findings underscore the complex physiological interactions between viral infections and pregnancy outcomes.

Current Medical Guidelines and Management

Both EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver) and AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) recommend Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) therapy between the 24th–32nd weeks of pregnancy for women with HBV DNA levels exceeding 200,000 IU/mL.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also highlights the necessity for early screening and careful monitoring in pregnant women with hepatitis infections, reinforcing the need for proactive prenatal care.

Viral Load Dynamics

Among HBV-infected women, the viral load increased between the 6th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, followed by a decrease six months postpartum. This fluctuation emphasizes the importance of monitoring viral activity at multiple stages.

Read the full study at: https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.cjog.1001058

Why This Research Matters

The study is particularly significant because it provides:

  • Evidence-based insights into how HBV and HCV alter pregnancy outcomes.
  • Data supporting the integration of antiviral therapy in late pregnancy stages to reduce neonatal infection risks.
  • Clinical awareness about subtle symptoms (e.g., hypertension, pruritus) that may warrant deeper investigation in infected pregnancies.

You can explore similar research on perinatal health in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine section of our journal.

Explore Related Studies

Call to Action

Explore more studies at https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.

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