Is universal screening for hepatitis B infection warranted in all prenatal populations?
The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic hepatitis B infection in a low-risk, closely monitored population. At the time of their first prenatal evaluation, a cohort of active-duty military personnel and their dependents underwent screening for hepatitis B surface antigen. Ten of 1520 women (0.66%) tested positive. All of these women were Asians and would have been identified under a selective screening protocol. None of the ten seropositive patients had other risk factors for hepatitis B infection. We conclude that in this type of population, universal screening for hepatitis B is not cost-effective. Selective screening for high-risk patients would appear to be more appropriate.
Christian
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Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington.
Duff
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens