Hepatitis C Risks Highlighted in Pregnancy Study

Maternal Health and Family Transmission Concerns Emerge from Rohtak Research

New findings from PGIMS, Rohtak, reveal significant risks for pregnant women with hepatitis C, including a concerning miscarriage rate. The study also sheds light on hepatitis B’s impact on family health.

Pregnancy Risks and Familial Spread

A collaborative study by the Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at PGIMS, Rohtak, has uncovered crucial details about hepatitis’s effects on maternal and family well-being. The research indicates a substantial 26% miscarriage rate among pregnant individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C who sought treatment at the institution.

Furthermore, the investigation identified a 13% prevalence of hepatitis B within families of patients undergoing thorough medical evaluation and treatment. Proactive measures, including vaccination for hepatitis B-negative family members, were implemented to curb further transmission.

Sexual Transmission Rates Identified

The study also pinpointed sexual transmission as a notable route for both hepatitis B and C, with rates estimated between 5% and 6% for both viral strains.

“The study has reported a 26 per cent miscarriage rate among pregnant women with hepatitis C who came to the PGIMS for treatment. Additionally, a 13 per cent familial prevalence was observed in patients with hepatitis B who were thoroughly investigated and treated as per medical protocols. Family members testing negative for hepatitis-B were promptly vaccinated to prevent further transmission. The study also identified sexual transmission rates of 5–6 per cent for both hepatitis B and C.”

—Dr Parveen Malhotra, Senior Professor & head, Department of Medical Gastroenterology

Free Treatment Initiative Saves Lives and Money

Dr Parveen Malhotra, also heading the model treatment centre (MTC) at PGIMS under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), highlighted the centre’s extensive free treatment services. The MTC has successfully treated over 26,000 hepatitis C patients and 12,000 hepatitis B patients without any waiting periods.

This large-scale, cost-free care, managed by a dedicated 20-member team, has reportedly saved millions of rupees for patients facing financial hardships. The initiative aligns with the broader national goal of controlling viral hepatitis.

Eliminating Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B

Significant strides have been made in combating the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr Pushpa Dahiya, Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Dr Vani Malhotra, Nodal Officer for the NVHCP, vertical transmission has been nearly eliminated in over 500 pregnant women.

This success is attributed to the timely administration of antiviral therapy during pregnancy, coupled with the essential post-birth administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccination to newborns. This comprehensive approach is crucial in preventing lifelong infection.

Robust Hepatitis Care Facility

The department serves as a high-volume hepatitis care facility, attending to approximately 80 patients daily. Comprehensive services are provided free of charge for both hepatitis B and C, including antiviral medications, viral load testing, biochemical analyses, endoscopy, fibroscan, and necessary inpatient care. Detection efforts have also been intensified, with over 70 new cases of hepatitis B and C diagnosed monthly among blood donors.

In a proactive public health measure, hepatitis B vaccination has been extended to 8,000 healthcare workers. PGIMS, Rohtak, has already received 24,000 HBV vaccine doses for this campaign, spearheaded by Dr Varun Arora, Professor of Community Medicine. For context, globally, an estimated 296 million people were living with hepatitis B in 2022, with a significant portion unaware of their status (WHO, 2023).

World Hepatitis Day Awareness

July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day, an annual event dedicated to raising global awareness about the disease. This year’s theme, “Let’s break it down,” emphasizes the need for collective action in combating viral hepatitis.

The PGIMS, Rohtak, through its MTC, plays a vital role in this awareness and control initiative. The ongoing mission to eliminate viral hepatitis is supported by the leadership of UHSR Vice-Chancellor Prof HK Aggarwal, PGIMS Director Dr SK Singhal, and Blood Bank in-charge Dr Gajendra Singh.