[Viral hepatitis and pregnancy].

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Obstetrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Viral hepatitis encompasses several distinct viruses (A, B, C, D, E) with varying transmission routes and clinical impacts.
• Pregnancy can alter the course of viral hepatitis, increasing risks for both the mother and the fetus.
• Understanding the specific risks associated with each hepatitis type during pregnancy is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of different viral hepatitis types on pregnancy outcomes.
• To outline the risks of obstetric complications and vertical transmission for each hepatitis virus.
• To summarize current management strategies, including screening and treatment, for viral hepatitis during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of viral hepatitis in pregnancy.
• Analysis of transmission routes, obstetric complications, and vertical transmission risks for Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
• Summary of management guidelines, including prenatal screening and antiviral therapies.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis A: Generally mild, but may increase obstetric complication risk.
• Hepatitis B: Most common, significant mother-to-child transmission risk, managed with screening and antivirals.
• Hepatitis C: Primarily blood-borne, implications for pregnancy discussed.
• Hepatitis D: Superinfects Hepatitis B, limited pregnancy treatment options.
• Hepatitis E: Severe in third trimester, risk of fulminant hepatitis, rare mother-to-child transmission.
• Overall, mother-to-child transmission is rare, and breastfeeding is generally permissible.

Conclusions:

• The clinical presentation and risks of viral hepatitis during pregnancy are type-specific.
• Proactive management, including screening and targeted therapies (especially for Hepatitis B), is essential to mitigate risks.
• Further research may be needed for Hepatitis D management in pregnant populations.