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Acute viral hepatitis in pregnancy
A Medhat1, M M el-Sharkawy, M M Shaaban
1Department of Tropical Medicine, Assiut University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.
Summary
Acute viral hepatitis in pregnancy poses significant risks to mothers and fetuses, with complications including premature delivery and stillbirth. Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus occurred in 7.4% of cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Virology
Background:
- Acute viral hepatitis during pregnancy presents unique clinical challenges.
- Understanding pregnancy outcomes and vertical transmission is crucial for maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the clinical course of pregnancy complicated by acute viral hepatitis.
- To determine the rate and patterns of vertical transmission of viral hepatitis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation and abdominal ultrasonography were performed on 48 pregnant patients.
- Serological testing for hepatitis markers utilized radioimmunoassay.
- Statistical analysis included Student's t-test and tests of proportion.
Main Results:
- 72.9% of pregnancies resulted in live births at term; 27.1% experienced fetal complications or losses.
- Fetal complication rates were higher in non-A, non-B hepatitis (30.8%) compared to hepatitis B (25%).
- Premature delivery (14.9%) was the most frequent complication, followed by stillbirth and abortion (8.3% each). Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus was observed in 7.4% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Acute viral hepatitis in pregnancy is associated with substantial maternal and fetal risks.
- The study highlights the importance of monitoring pregnant women for viral hepatitis.
- Routine hepatitis B vaccination for susceptible women and newborns in endemic regions is strongly recommended.