Hepatitis C and pregnancy: an analysis of factors associated with vertical transmission

Introduction: Data concerning hepatitis C virus infection during pregnancy in Brazilian medical services are scarce. This study aimed to verify factors associated with vertical transmission (VT) of HCV in pregnant women. Methods: Observational transversal study of pregnant women from Campo Grande, MS, central Brazil, with confirmed reagent serology for HCV infection from 2002 to 2005. Vertical transmission was considered to be positive HCV serology by ELISA, confirmed by PCR, after 18 months of life of the newborn. The factors studied associated with VT were: delivery mode, time of premature rupture of membranes, breastfeeding, blood transfusion history, drug addiction, number of sexual partners and the presence of body tattoos. Results: Fifty-eight pregnant women with HCV infection were identified, indicating a prevalence rate of 0.2% (58/31, 187). Of these 58 pregnant women, 23 (39.6%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The VT rate was 13% (3/23), and the most frequent HCV viral subtypes were 1a (53%), 1b (30%), 2b (4%) e 3a (13.0%). Two (8.7%) patients were coinfected with HIV. A significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between VT and high maternal serum viremia (> 2.5x10(6)) and VT and the use of illicit drugs by the mother. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that high serum maternal viremia for HCV and the use of illicit drugs by the mother are associated with vertical transmission of HCV.