Hepatitis C Virus in Neonates and Infants

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.