Hepatitis C Virus in Neonates and Infants

Clin Perinatol. 2021 Jun;48(2):343-357. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2021.03.007.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus prevalence has steeply risen among pregnant women in association with the opioid epidemic and the major national infectious diseases and liver society guidelines recommend universal hepatitis C virus testing in pregnancy. All infants born to mothers with hepatitis C virus infection should be evaluated. Many children spontaneously clear hepatitis C virus or remain minimally symptomatic, but some develop significant liver disease if untreated. With hepatitis C virus cure available starting at age 3, we must improve programs to identify and cure hepatitis C virus-infected women and infants with the goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission.

Keywords: Antiviral therapy; Epidemiology; Hepatitis C; Infant; Infectious disease transmission; Opioid-related disorders; Transmission; Vertical transmission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus
  • Hepatitis C* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / epidemiology
  • Prevalence