Hepatitis B and pregnancy: an underestimated issue.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Obstetrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hepatitis B infection in pregnancy poses unique challenges for maternal and fetal care.
• Existing research is limited, with many studies having methodological constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on managing hepatitis B during pregnancy.
• To highlight gaps in understanding and areas needing further investigation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on hepatitis B in pregnant women.
• Analysis of maternal and fetal effects, disease course, and transmission risks.

Main Results:

• Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnancy generally follows a typical course, but neonatal transmission risk increases with later gestational infection.
• Chronic HBV infection may be mild but can flare postpartum. High maternal viral load increases perinatal transmission risk.
• Current immunoprophylaxis strategies have a failure rate, potentially linked to high viraemia.

Conclusions:

• Obstetrical policies need to address maternal infection detection and perinatal transmission risk.
• Further research is essential to improve management and prevention strategies for hepatitis B in pregnant women and their infants.