Risk-Based Prenatal Hepatitis C Testing Practices and Results, Alaska 2013-2016

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses risks to both pregnant individuals and their infants.
• Understanding HCV prevalence and testing patterns in pregnant populations is essential for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing rates and exposure among pregnant women delivering in Alaska between 2013 and 2016.
• To identify gaps in HCV screening, particularly among women with a history of drug abuse.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of delivery records from 2013-2016 at an Alaskan referral hospital.
• Evaluation of HCV testing data and risk behaviors, including drug abuse, tobacco use, alcohol use, and prenatal care timing.
• Analysis of HCV antibody positivity rates in the general pregnant population and in subgroups with documented drug abuse.

Main Results:

• Of 2856 women, 16.5% were tested for HCV during pregnancy and 2.2% tested positive.
• Among 162 women with a history of drug abuse, 18.5% tested positive for HCV antibodies.
• 34% of pregnant women with a documented drug abuse history who were not previously known HCV positive were not tested during pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 2% of pregnant women in the study population had evidence of HCV exposure by delivery.
• Significant gaps exist in HCV testing for pregnant women, especially those with a history of drug abuse.
• Further research is needed to compare the effectiveness of risk-based versus universal HCV screening in pregnant populations.