[Hepatitis B screening in pregnancy]

At the I. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna, between April 1, 1985 and September 30, maternity patients between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation had their blood tested for hepatitis B. Out of 167 patients screened for hepatitis B, three had a positive hepatitis B surface antigen test (1.8%), nineteen a positive anti-hepatitis BsAg test. Two patients were positive for anti-hepatitis BeAg (1.2%), one was positive for hepatitis-BeAg (0.6%). The presence of hepatitis BeAg conveys a higher infant attack rate. Yet even in the absence of the antigen and/or the presence of anti-hepatitis BeAg, infection may lead to a fatal outcome. Also, if the mother is a carrier, risk of acquiring the infection because of chronic exposure is present. Therefore the question and possible need for routine Hepatitis B-screening during pregnancy arises, not only in maternity patients at high risk for hepatitis B.