Fetomaternal Outcome In Pregnancies Complicated With Hcv Infection

Abstract

Introduction- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has an estimated global prevalence of 2%–3%, with approximately 122–185 million HCV-infected persons worldwide. Globally, up to 8.0% of pregnant women are infected with HCV in highly endemic areas. Vertical transmission can occur through intrauterine, intrapartum, and postnatal routes. The infants born to women infected with HCV are more likely to be small for gestational age, have low birth weight, require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and require assisted ventilation.

Aims and Objectives- To evaluate the feto-maternal outcomes in pregnancies positive for Hepatitis C virus infection. The objectives were to analyse feto-maternal outcomes, to evaluate hepatic and virologic parameters and to assess the risk factors associated with Hepatitis C virus infection in pregnancy.

Material and Methods- This prospective observational study was conducted on 50 female patients with Hepatitis C infection in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at PGIMS Rohtak over a period of one year, from March 2024 to February 2025. The inclusion criterion were patients aged 18-45 years, with singleton pregnancy, found positive for hepatitis C virus infection by ELISA and PCR. The exclusion criterion were patients positive for Hepatitis A, B, D, E and known case of liver/renal disease. The sample size was calculated based on the expected prevalence of preterm delivery in Hepatitis C patients, which was found to be 35.5% in a previous study by Yasmin H et al.

Conclusion- The study concluded that HCV infection in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, including PROM, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction, likely mediated by subtle hepatic dysfunction and placental involvement. Though maternal prognosis was generally favorable, fetal and neonatal complications were more frequent which included SGA, low APGAR scores and NICU admissions, emphasizing the need for enhanced antenatal surveillance, early detection of obstetric complications, and multidisciplinary perinatal care.