Perinatal hepatitis B: update & recommendations

Abstract

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most prevalent chronic infectious disease in the world, and should be better understood by nurses caring for families. Perinatal acquisition is the major cause of infection in infants and children. Without vaccine during infancy, 90% of infants born to women positive for the virus will go on to become lifelong carriers. There are significant sequelae associated with HBV infection, ranging from fulminant HBV to chronic liver disease to an increased risk for carcinoma. A comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy has been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes screening of all pregnant women for the presence of HBV, the administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) at birth, and the administration of hepatitis B vaccine at birth, at 1 month of age, and at 6 months of age. Nurses working in the perinatal and pediatric specialties must understand the implications of HBV to help prevent transmission and to assist in the coordination of care and advocacy for affected populations. The community health implications for the care of women and children with HBV are clear, giving nurses the opportunity to develop a closer linkage between hospital- and community-based nursing practice.