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Pediatric Drugs
Published in: Pediatric Drugs 3/2017

01-06-2017 | Therapy in Practice

Hepatitis B During Pregnancy in Endemic Areas: Screening, Treatment, and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission

Authors: Naichaya Chamroonkul, Teerha Piratvisuth

Published in: Pediatric Drugs | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

The proper management of pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is necessary to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality and to protect the baby from HBV infection. In the majority of cases, vertical transmission can be prevented with a universal screening program, HBV vaccine immunoprophylaxis, and administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) for babies born to mothers with HBV. However, in mothers with a high viral load (>200,000 or >1,000,000 IU/ml, depending on the guideline), the chance of immunoprophylaxis failure remains high. The standard recommendation is to give an antiviral agent during the third trimester in these patients. US FDA pregnancy category B agents such as tenofovir and telbivudine are allowed through all trimesters of pregnancy. Breastfeeding for patients who receive antiviral agents can be allowed after a risk–benefit discussion with the patient.
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Metadata
Title
Hepatitis B During Pregnancy in Endemic Areas: Screening, Treatment, and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
Authors
Naichaya Chamroonkul
Teerha Piratvisuth
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Pediatric Drugs / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1174-5878
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-017-0229-1

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