Prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis C among pregnant women in China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Pregnant women infected with HCV should be given attention due to their special physiological stage and the effect on offspring health. To examine the prevalence of HCV infection among pregnant women in part of China and explore relevant factors during pregnancy, a cross-sectional study was conducted in four maternal and children health care institutions (MCHC) in Guangdong, Hunan and Chongqing. Pregnant women who were delivered, induced or spontaneous abortion were included and relevant information was collected through the Hospital Information System. Results showed that the prevalence of HCV among pregnant women in four MCHCs was 0.11% (95% CI 0.09–0.13%). Age, occupations, regions, syphilis-infection, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and placenta previa were significant factors (all P < 0.05). Age and syphilis-infection were positively correlated with HCV infection (Z = 3.41, P = 0.0006; OR = 18.16, 95% CI 9.34–35.29). HCV and HBV infection were risk factors of ICP (OR = 4.18, 95% CI 2.18–8.04; OR = 2.59, 95% CI 2.31–2.89). Our study indicates that the prevalence of HCV among pregnant women in the three provinces(city) was low compared with the general population in China. Older age and syphilis-infection increased the risk of HCV infection during pregnancy. HCV infection was a risk factor of ICP. Generally, we need keep a watchful eye on HCV infection and relevant factors mentioned above during pregnancy in clinic, especially those also infected with syphilis. HCV testing based on risk factors is recommended in antenatal care and obstetrics.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Association With Hepatitis B and C Infected Pregnant Ladies Visiting Tertiary Care Hospitals of Peshawar: An Unmatched Pilot Case-Control Study

“…They found an association of age with infection. 19 The study results were in comparison with the present ones. This study had few limitations as well.…”

HCV Antiviral Drugs Have the Potential to Adversely Perturb the Fetal-Maternal Communication Axis through Inhibition of CYP3A7 DHEA-S Oxidation

“…The prevalence of HCV in pregnant women is estimated between 1-8% of the global population, with prevalence dependent upon demographics (Arshad, El-Kamary, and Jhaveri 2011;Le Campion et al 2012). The pathogenesis of HCV infection during pregnancy remains poorly understood, and so does the effect it poses on pregnancy outcomes (Yeung et al 2014;He et al 2023). However, some studies report an increased rate and/or risk of low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth, low Apgar scores, congenital malformations, use of intensive care, assisted ventilation, and overall perinatal mortality relative to HCV-negative women (Yeung et al 2014;He et al 2023).…”

“…It is widely accepted that there is a significant risk of mother-to-infant transmission, occurring in about 5% of cases, and the risk of vertical transmission increases ~10-fold if the mother is coinfected with HIV (Le Campion et al 2012;He et al 2023). Over the last two decades, a This article has not been copyedited and formatted.…”

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among pregnant women in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 1 The overall poor health and compromised immune capacity of women living with HIV (WLHIV), especially those in the advanced stage of the infection, may cause them to be more susceptible to increased risk of obstetrical complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, including intrauterine infections, fetal growth retardation, puerperal sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, haemorrhage, low-birth weight and preterm birth. 5–11 The risk of maternal death tends to increase eightfold in pregnant women living with HIV. 12 Perinatal transmission of HIV is a major challenge of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, accounting for 90% of all paediatric HIV worldwide.…”

“…While pregnancy itself has little or no contribution to the progression of HIV in women who are asymptomatic or those in the early stage of the infection,4 it presents substantial risks to babies, families and healthcare workers 1. The overall poor health and compromised immune capacity of women living with HIV (WLHIV), especially those in the advanced stage of the infection, may cause them to be more susceptible to increased risk of obstetrical complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, including intrauterine infections, fetal growth retardation, puerperal sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, haemorrhage, low-birth weight and preterm birth 5–11. The risk of maternal death tends to increase eightfold in pregnant women living with HIV 12.…”