Re-evaluation of the true rate of hepatitis C virus mother-to-child transmission and its novel risk factors based on our two prospective studies.
OBJECTIVE
To re-evaluate the true hepatitis C virus (HCV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate and its novel risk factors.


METHODS
A comparative study based on our own two prospective studies done during the two periods, 'early' (1989-1994) and 'recent' (1995-2004).


RESULTS
All carrier infants became HCV RNA-positive within 3 months after birth. The MTCT and de-carrier rates were, respectively, higher (14.2%) and lower (16.7%) in the recent period, although liver dysfunction of carrier infants was found very frequently (66.7%) in both groups. MTCT occurred significantly when the maternal viral load, serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT) levels and blood loss at delivery were, respectively, more than 10(5) copies/mL, 110 IU/L, and 500 g. No MTCT was found when elective cesarean section was done.


CONCLUSIONS
The true HCV MTCT and de-carrier rates were found to be much higher and lower than those reported previously. The maternal liver dysfunction (sALT >or=110 IU/mL) and blood loss (>or=500 g) at delivery are the next risk factors to maternal viral load (>or=10(5) copies/mL) for MTCT.
Hayashida
Ayako
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan.
Inaba
Noriyuki
N
Oshima
Kyoko
K
Nishikawa
Masayoshi
M
Shoda
Akiko
A
Hayashida
Shihou
S
Negishi
Masami
M
Inaba
Fujiyuki
F
Inaba
Michiyo
M
Fukasawa
Ichio
I
Watanabe
Hiroshi
H
Takamizawa
Hiroyoshi
H
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000097:blood / Q000821:virology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral; D000410:Alanine Transaminase