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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
At the end of this presentation people will learn about prevalence of HCV among pregnant women in Al-ain Medical District
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease. Epidemiologic studies have clearly shown that an estimated 3percent of the world's population is (HCV) infected. The natural history, the long-term outcome, the clinical sequelae of HCV infection in adults has been reasonably established.Only a few reported data are available in the pediatric age group on these aspects. With the introduction of widespread blood screening programs, the major and the only route of HCV transmission in the pediatric population is now via maternal - infant transmission. This report describes clinical and serologic follow up of HCV infected mothers and those children born to anti HCV positive mothers in Al-Ain Medical District, UAE.
Methods:
A total of 618 blood samples were collected from pregnant women during their antenatal clinic visit between June 2001 and June 2003. 12 mothers were found positive for anti-HCV antibodies. The HCV infected mothers and their offspring were followed up from birth for evidence of HCV infection as determined by persistence of HCV antibodies and/or detection of HCV RNA.
Results:
The overall anti-HCV antibodies prevalence rate among pregnant women in the region was 1.95 percent. Among their offspring, 3 had detectable HCV antibodies and /or HCV RNA beyond 12 months of age. Thus the maternal–infant transmission rate was 25 percent.
Conclusions:
Our results, screening all pregnant women for HCV infection in the Al-Ain Medical District might not be indicated. Nevertheless, screening of mothers who have known risk factors for HCV infection might be more cost effective in UAE.
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See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference