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Hepatitis C Virus in Neonates and Infants

Rachel L Epstein1, Claudia Espinosa2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|May 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is rising in pregnant women. Universal HCV testing and infant evaluation are recommended, with cures available for children aged 3+, aiming to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence has increased significantly among pregnant women, linked to the opioid epidemic.
  • National guidelines recommend universal HCV screening for pregnant individuals.
  • Infants born to HCV-infected mothers require evaluation due to potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the rising prevalence of HCV in pregnant women.
  • To emphasize the importance of universal screening and infant evaluation for Hepatitis C.
  • To advocate for improved identification and treatment programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current national guidelines and epidemiological trends.
  • Analysis of the clinical course of Hepatitis C virus infection in children.
  • Discussion of available treatment options for Hepatitis C in young children.

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis C virus infection in pregnancy is a growing public health concern.
  • While many children clear HCV spontaneously, some face significant liver disease without treatment.
  • Effective HCV cures are now available for children starting at age 3.

Conclusions:

  • Universal Hepatitis C virus testing during pregnancy is crucial.
  • Early identification and treatment of HCV in women and infants can prevent long-term liver disease.
  • Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis C is an achievable goal with improved programs.

Keywords:
Antiviral therapyEpidemiologyHepatitis CInfantInfectious disease transmissionOpioid-related disordersTransmissionVertical transmission

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