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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
04:11
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hepatitis B in pregnancy: challenges and treatment
Silvia Degli Esposti1, Dhvani Shah
1The Alpert Medical School, Department of Medicine, 97 Waterman Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Silvia_Degli_Esposti@Brown.edu
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|May 24, 2011
Summary
Managing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in pregnancy requires careful consideration of maternal and fetal health, treatment options, and perinatal infection prevention. Current recommendations remain inconclusive, necessitating individualized patient-clinician decisions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during pregnancy poses complex clinical challenges.
- Understanding the interplay between HBV, maternal health, fetal development, and pregnancy progression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted aspects of managing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in pregnant individuals.
- To synthesize current knowledge on HBV's impact on maternal and fetal outcomes.
- To evaluate treatment strategies and perinatal transmission prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HBV in pregnancy.
- Analysis of data regarding maternal and fetal health effects.
- Evaluation of antiretroviral therapy efficacy and safety data.
Main Results:
- HBV affects maternal and fetal health, and pregnancy can alter HBV course.
- Antiretroviral therapy shows no clear increased risk of birth defects or toxicity.
- Evidence regarding optimal treatment and prevention strategies is still developing.
Conclusions:
- Management of HBV in pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach.
- Individualized decisions balancing risks and benefits are essential.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for HBV treatment during pregnancy.
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