Fetomaternal outcome in acute hepatitis e

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology

Background:

• Acute hepatitis E is a significant concern in pregnant women, potentially leading to severe maternal and fetal complications.
• Understanding the fetomaternal outcomes associated with acute hepatitis E is crucial for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the fetomaternal outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with acute hepatitis E.
• To analyze pregnancy outcomes and perinatal mortality rates in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A case series study was conducted involving pregnant women presenting with jaundice.
• Serum samples were tested for hepatitis E IgM antibodies to confirm diagnosis.
• Demographic data, pregnancy outcomes, and perinatal mortality were recorded for confirmed cases.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five pregnant women were diagnosed with acute hepatitis E, with most presenting in the third trimester.
• A high rate of prematurity (86%) was observed in live-born infants.
• Perinatal mortality was 26%, and maternal mortality was 20%, primarily due to fulminant hepatic failure.

Conclusions:

• Prematurity in newborns and fulminant hepatic failure in mothers are the primary drivers of poor fetomaternal outcomes in acute hepatitis E during pregnancy.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to mitigate risks associated with hepatitis E in pregnant individuals.