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Hepatitis B prenatal screening survey, Nova Scotia, 1990-1991
Summary
Routine prenatal screening for Hepatitis B (HBsAg) in Nova Scotia is recommended. The study found prevalence rates higher than cost-effective thresholds, indicating the need for universal screening.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses risks during pregnancy.
- Cost-effectiveness of routine prenatal screening for HBV is established at a prevalence of 6.0/10,000.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women in Nova Scotia.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of risk-factor-based screening versus routine screening for HBsAg.
Main Methods:
- A screening study involving 5,754 pregnant women delivering at Grace Maternity Hospital, Halifax.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening was performed on all participants.
Main Results:
- An overall HBsAg prevalence rate of 10.4/10,000 was identified.
- Five new seropositive cases were detected, representing a screening yield of 8.7/10,000.
- Risk-factor-based screening would have missed three of the five newly identified seropositive women.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of HBsAg in this cohort exceeds the threshold for cost-effective routine prenatal screening.
- Routine HBsAg screening for all pregnant women in Nova Scotia is recommended.
- Risk-factor-based screening is insufficient for identifying all HBsAg-positive pregnancies.