[Hepatitis viruses and pregnancy].
Infections with hepatitis virus A, B, C, D or E can also be observed during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant carriers of hepatitis B virus, occurring at various frequencies in different populations, represent an important source of infection. The course and the outcome of hepatitis A, B, C and D do not seem to be significantly affected by pregnancy. A fulminant hepatitis E, however, which is observed only rarely in Europe, can be induced by pregnancy and labor. Fetal malformations have not been attributed to any hepatitis virus. A perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus often occurs, whereby the circulating HBe antigen or the amount of viral DNA in blood can be used as prognostic markers. Perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus has also been documented; its frequency, however, seems to be less than 10%. A general screening of pregnant women for HBs antigen is suitable in interrupting transmission of hepatitis B virus. Children born from hepatitis B virus carriers should receive a postpartal passive-active immunization.
Wirsing von König
C H
CH
Institut für Hygiene und Laboratoriumsmedizin, Stdtische Krankenanstalten Krefeld.
D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006515:Hepatitis B virus; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus; D016752:Hepatitis E virus; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000150:complications*; D006507:Hepatovirus; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious