Acute hepatitis E in pregnancy--study of 16 cases

This retrospective study was done at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital between April 1999 to April 2003, to asses the maternal and perinatal outcome of acute hepatitis E in pregnancy. During this period a total of 19 patients presented with jaundice. Out of 19 cases, 16 suffered from acute hepatitis due to hepatitis E. Acute hepatitis was diagnosed by presence of prodromal symptoms and anti HEV IgM in the body. Hepatitis B and C were ruled out in all these cases. Out of 16, 15 delivered in the hospital. Average age of the patients was 24 years. 81.2% (13/16) presented during the third trimester of pregnancy. There were 3 maternal deaths (20%). Other complications were; Preterm delivery 53.3% (8/15), post partum haemorrhage 26.7% (4/15), low birth weight in 33.3% (5/15). This analysis showed increased maternal and perinatal complications of hepatitis E contracted during pregnancy, especially so in those with fulminant hepatitis.