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. 2013 May;20(5):317-21.
doi: 10.1111/jvh.12032. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Risk factors of HBV intrauterine transmission among HBsAg-positive pregnant women

Z Guo  1 , X H Shi, Y L Feng, B Wang, L P Feng, S P Wang, Y W Zhang
Affiliations

Risk factors of HBV intrauterine transmission among HBsAg-positive pregnant women

Z Guo et al. J Viral Hepat. 2013 May.

Abstract

Little is known about the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) intrauterine transmission among HBsAg-positive mothers. We conducted a study in Taiyuan, China, including 1133 HBsAg-positive mothers and their babies. A total of 101 neonates had HBsAg and/or HBV DNA positive with an intrauterine transmission rate of 8.9%. Maternal menstrual irregularity (OR = 4.95, 95% CI: 1.71, 14.33) and severe nausea during the first trimester (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.09) were associated with an increased risk of intrauterine transmission, while caesarean delivery (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.51) was associated with a decreased risk after adjusting for potential confounders. Maternal HBeAg positive was a strong independent predictor for intrauterine transmission (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.54, 4.27). A positive association between maternal HBV DNA levels and intrauterine transmission was suggested. Maternal HBIG administration during pregnancy, family history of HBV infection and premature rupture of membranes was not associated with the risk of intrauterine transmission. The study confirmed that maternal HBeAg positive was a risk factor and caesarean delivery was a protective factor for intrauterine transmission. The new findings associated with menstrual irregularity and severe nausea during the first trimester warrant further investigation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
HBV DNA levels of mothers and infected infants. Mean levels of mothers and infected infants were 1.9 × 108 and 1.0 × 107 copies/ml, respectively.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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