Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Association between maternal HBsAg carrier status and neonatal adverse outcomes: meta-analysis
Objective:
We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier status increases the risk of neonatal complications.
Methods:
Publications addressing the association between maternal HBV carrier status and neonatal outcomes were selected from the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Publication bias and heterogeneity across studies were evaluated and summary odds ratios, weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and compared between groups.
Results:
Eighteen studies and 7600 pregnant HBV carriers were selected for analyses. A statistically association with maternal HBV carrier status was demonstrated for premature birth and asphyxia, with no difference found among perinatal mortality, gestational age, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, birth weight, low birth weight, macrosomia, Apgar sore at 1 min, jaundice and congenital anomaly. Heterogeneity across studies was found, and no publication bias was detected.
Conclusion:
Our analysis suggests that maternal hepatitis B carrier status is significantly associated with premature birth and asphyxia. Large-scale prospective studies are still warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Rh Blood Group
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Hepatitis
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Teratogenicity
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...

