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Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Despite having the highest HCV incidence in the world, only risk-based screening is done in Egypt during pregnancy. Women who are infected with HCV may not show any symptoms and may not have a history of exposure to risk factors. This means that the long-term effects of HCV on infected mothers and their offspring may not become apparent until much later in life.

Aim of the Work: The study's goal is to determine how common HCV infection is, how it is spread, and what kind of an impact it has on pregnant women.

Patient and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, observational, hospital-based study that was conducted in EL Hussein University Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Included all pregnant women who attend the hospital for antenatal care (ANC) and delivery during a one-year period.

Results: Analysis of one thousand pregnant women's blood samples only 7.1 % (71 cases) were considered positive, while 92% (929 cases) are considered negative. History of surgery (84.5%) and blood transfusion (62.6%) were the most frequent prior risk factors. Postpartum hemorrhage was the most prevalent complication of HCV during pregnancy, accounting for 58.3% of all problems.

Conclusion: Out of one thousand blood samples drawn from pregnant women, only seven point one percent (7.1%) tested positive for HCV. Past surgery and blood transfusion were the most common associated risk factors, postpartum hemorrhage proved the most common complication associated with pregnancy, all the neonates whom mothers HCV positive were normal.

Keywords

HCV; Neonatal infection; pregnancy; prevalence; risk factors.

Subject Area

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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