OBSTETRICS AND PERINATAL OUTCOME

RISK FACTORS FOR HEPATITIS B AND C TRANSMISSION

Abstract

Objectives: To identify and assess the risk factor for transmission of HBV and HCV in pregnant
ladies and perinatal outcome, presenting to obstetric OPD at CMH Lahore. Design: Case control study. Setting:
Combined Military Hospital Lahore. Period: From May 2003 to April 2004. Patients and Methods: All the patients
presenting to obstetrical OPD during one year were randomly screened for both hepatitis B and C using ELISA.
Perinatal outcome was compared with control group. The risk factors for HBV and HCV were studied in 30 patients,
who were positive for either HBV or HCV. A detailed history was taken followed by a questionnaire and screening for
HBV and HCV. The results were compared with control group who were negative for hepatitis B and C but had same
socioeconomic back ground and similar living conditions (wives and soldiers). Results: In the study group 20 patients
gave history of surgical operation or dental procedure. These surgical operations included major or minor operations.
In control group positive history of surgical or dental procedure was obtained in 12 patients. The odds ratio was found
to be 3.00 with a P value of 0.038. History of blood transfusion was found in 12 patients in study group and 4 patients
in control group with 0.019. Positive history of jaundice was found in 3 patients of study group and 1 patient in control
group with p value of P>0.05. History of drug abuse or multiple sexual partners was negative in both groups.
Conclusion: The study concludes that HCV infection is three times more common than HBV infection. Surgical
procedures are the leading risk factors for acquisition of these infections.