Prevention of vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus infection. Is there a standard policy in Flanders (Belgium)?
The perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from mother to child can be effectively prevented by the combined administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulins (HBIg) and hepatitis B vaccine (HB vaccine) immediately after birth. This requires prenatal screening of all pregnant women for HBsAg. In Belgium, a standard prevention policy does not exist. This study evaluated the current prevention policy of paediatricians in Flanders, regarding the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV, and their knowledge regarding the reimbursement of the HB vaccine for neonates of HBsAg-positive mothers. Ninety-one percent out of 134 participants administered both HBIg and HB vaccine. The recommended timing, within 12 hours post-partum, was observed in 60.0% for HBIg and in 50.3% for HB vaccine. Twenty-five percent of the respondents answered not to be well informed regarding the reimbursement of the HB vaccine. A preliminary study in Flanders among gynaecologists showed that 27 out of 29 routinely screened pregnant women for HBV, but the type of serology tested and the timing of this prenatal screening were very heterogeneous. We conclude that a standard policy regarding the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV is currently lacking in Flanders.
De Groote
K
K
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Belgium.
Van Damme
P
P
Deprettere
A
A
Michielsen
P
P
D001530:Belgium; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000592:standards; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010372:Pediatrics; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D007136:Immunoglobulins; C045213:hepatitis B hyperimmune globulin