Pregnancy and hepatitis C virus infection

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical aspects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy and after delivery, and to differentiate the outcome of pregnancy between HCV RNA-positive and -negative women. Methods The study involved 10 120 consecutive pregnant women screened in the Obstetric Department for High Risk Pregnancy at the University of Padua, Italy, between 1992 and 1998. Each woman underwent the following: serological screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV serum markers (anti-HCV antibodies, HCV RNA, viral load), platelet-associated IgG and serum bindable anti-platelet IgC, and antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus. Results Of the 10 120 pregnant women, 115 (1.13%) tested positive for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. Of the 115 anti-HCV antibody-positive mothers observed at initial screening, 68 (59.1%) were found to be positive for HCV RNA, the remaining 47 (40.9%) being HCV RNA-negative. Four of the 68 HCV RNA-positive women incurred stillbirth (5.9%); the remaining 64 HCV RNA-positive mothers gave birth to 68 babies, including four sets of twins. Conclusions There is no risk to pregnancy outcome in HCV RNA-positive and -negative mothers. Pregnancy does not induce a deterioration of liver disease and HCV infection does not increase the risk of obstetric complications.