Review of hepatitis B virus infection situation among pregnant women and current management guidelines

Abstract

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women varies according to overall regional and national HBV prevalence. Pregnant women with HBV are reported around 10 - 11% in Vietnam. In addition to the risk of transmission to the child, pregnancy can affect the progression of chronic HBV infection. Active hepatitis or fulminant hepatitis can occur during pregnancy or postpartum period. Indications for specific treatment with antivirals depend on the stage of chronic HBV infection in pregnant women. Prevention of vertical infection is crucial in reducing chronic HBV infection prevalence and disease burden. In addition to postexposure immunoprophylaxis, oral antivirals should be given to women with high viral loads to enhance the effectiveness of mother-to-child transmission of HBV
prevention. The review highlights HBV infection situation among pregnant women and current management guidelines for this population in the world and Vietnam.