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Hepatitis C in pregnancy.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Hunt, CM; Carson, KL; Sharara, AI
Published in: Obstet Gynecol
May 1997

OBJECTIVE: To review the epidemiology and clinical course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, to examine current data on the vertical transmission of HCV to neonates, and to develop recommendations for intrapartum and postpartum follow-up of neonates born to HCV-infected mothers. DATA SOURCES: The English-language medical literature from 1988 to 1996 was reviewed through MEDLINE. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Case series evaluating vertical transmission of HCV infection in neonates, determined by HCV RNA testing, after delivery and breast-feeding were reviewed and summarized. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Vertical transmission of HCV infection was examined with respect to maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status (as heterosexual transmission of HCV is enhanced in HIV-positive patients) and chronicity of HCV infection. Vertical transmission of HCV from HIV-negative mothers with chronic hepatitis C ranged from 0 to 18%. The risk of HCV vertical transmission from HIV-negative mothers with acute hepatitis C may be higher than that from mothers with chronic HCV infection. Vertical transmission of HCV was proportional to maternal HCV RNA levels; no transmission was noted in women without HCV RNA, whereas the greatest transmission was noted in women with HCV RNA greater than 1 million copies/mL. Vertical transmission of HCV from HIV-positive mothers with chronic hepatitis C ranged from 6 to 36%. In colostrum, HCV RNA was found to be present in low titers. No studies have documented transmission of HCV infection to infants via breast-feeding. CONCLUSION: Vertical transmission of HCV complicates up to 18% of pregnancies in HCV-positive, HIV-negative women and 6-36% in HCV-positive, HIV-positive women. The highest rates of vertical transmission of HCV were noted in women with high HCV RNA or concurrent HIV infection. Breast-feeding has not been associated with vertical transmission of HCV infection.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Obstet Gynecol

DOI

ISSN

0029-7844

Publication Date

May 1997

Volume

89

Issue

5 Pt 2

Start / End Page

883 / 890

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Risk Factors
  • Prenatal Care
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
  • Pregnancy
  • Postnatal Care
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Humans
  • Hepatitis C
  • Female
 

Citation

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Chicago
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Hunt, C. M., Carson, K. L., & Sharara, A. I. (1997). Hepatitis C in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol, 89(5 Pt 2), 883–890. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(97)81434-2
Hunt, C. M., K. L. Carson, and A. I. Sharara. “Hepatitis C in pregnancy.Obstet Gynecol 89, no. 5 Pt 2 (May 1997): 883–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(97)81434-2.
Hunt CM, Carson KL, Sharara AI. Hepatitis C in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1997 May;89(5 Pt 2):883–90.
Hunt, C. M., et al. “Hepatitis C in pregnancy.Obstet Gynecol, vol. 89, no. 5 Pt 2, May 1997, pp. 883–90. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/s0029-7844(97)81434-2.
Hunt CM, Carson KL, Sharara AI. Hepatitis C in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1997 May;89(5 Pt 2):883–890.
Journal cover image

Published In

Obstet Gynecol

DOI

ISSN

0029-7844

Publication Date

May 1997

Volume

89

Issue

5 Pt 2

Start / End Page

883 / 890

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Risk Factors
  • Prenatal Care
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
  • Pregnancy
  • Postnatal Care
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Humans
  • Hepatitis C
  • Female