[Hepatitis B screening in pregnant patients and their children--a Greifswald perinatal-pediatric study]

During a period of one year with systematic screening performed in 1,401 pregnant women 8 cases positive for HBs-antigen could be detected. For the investigation we used a counter electrophoresis method. In 500 serial specimens an additional examination was performed by aid of a RIA as well. With an incidence of 0.57% the number of HBs antigen positive pregnancies in the territory of Greifswald was found to be significantly higher than reported previously from other regions of the GDR. Our results claim for a mass screening for hepatitis B during pregnancy. Because of the possibility of virus excretion with human milk, HBs positive mothers should not be used as milk donors. Other results related to our investigations give evidence for the significance of obtaining specific hygienic regulations when medical care is given to asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. They also underline the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation for teaching medical staff in health care centers and giving correct advice to those detected as hepatitis B carriers.