Guidelines developed for hepatitis B, C virus screening in pregnancy, management of infection, vaccination<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter<\/b><\/p>\n
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TUESDAY, Aug. 22, 2023 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical practice guideline issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and published online Aug. 17 in Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/em>, recommendations are presented for hepatitis B and C virus screening in pregnancy, for management of patients with infection, and for vaccination.<\/p>\n Brenna L. Hughes, M.D., from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and colleagues developed guidelines for pregnant or postpartum women and individuals who screen positive for viral hepatitis infection.<\/p>\n The authors recommend early universal prenatal screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of all pregnant patients, regardless of history of testing or vaccination status. Triple panel screening (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and total anti-HBc) is recommended for all pregnant patients who do not have a documented negative triple screen result after age 18 years, those who did not complete vaccination, or those with ongoing risks for hepatitis B infection, regardless of vaccination status or testing history. In each pregnancy, all patients should be screened for hepatitis C virus antibodies. Prepregnancy screening for hepatitis C virus infection and treatment is recommended before pregnancy when possible. Women with hepatitis B or C virus infection should have prepregnancy counseling, including the effects of pregnancy on maternal disease and risks to the fetus and neonate. Recommended groups should undergo vaccination for hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, or both during pregnancy.<\/p>\n “Hepatitis screening during pregnancy is an opportunity to promote a dialogue between pregnant patients and their clinicians about hepatitis transmission; ongoing and new risk factors; and, if not previously vaccinated, hepatitis B vaccination in pregnancy,” Hughes said in a statement.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n