Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) during pregnancy and the puerperium: Current standards of care

Abstract

Background Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus continues to occur despite the interventions of hepatitis B vaccination and immunoglobulin. The most significant risk factor in transmission is high maternal viral load. Being aware of viral replicative activity permits risk stratification and allows the opportunity for additional preventative measures such as antiviral therapy. Methods Retrospective audit of investigations and clinical management among hepatitis B surface antigen-positive pregnant women from three maternity services across Victoria over a five-year period from 2006 to 2011. Results Over the study period at the three institutions, there were 46,855 births, a..