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A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology has revealed a significant correlation between maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and increased health risks for newborns. The research indicates that infants born to mothers with HCV are at a substantially higher risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and being born small for gestational age (SGA).
The study, a secondary data analysis from a multicenter prospective cohort study, involved 249 pregnant individuals with HCV infection and 486 control participants. Researchers screened for HCV infection using serum antibody tests and matched participants based on gestational age.
The analysis examined a range of maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption, cholestasis, and preterm delivery. It also assessed neonatal outcomes such as hyperbilirubinemia, NICU admission, SGA birth weight, and neonatal infection.
Key findings revealed a twofold increase in the likelihood of NICU admissions for infants born to mothers with HCV. Notably, these infants also had nearly a threefold increase in the odds of being born with SGA birth weight below the 5th percentile. However, the study found no significant association between maternal HCV infection and adverse maternal outcomes like gestational diabetes.
Further, a striking 57.7% of infants in the HCV group were diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome, compared to only 10% in the control group.
The researchers emphasized the importance of these findings for healthcare providers, highlighting the need for increased awareness of the heightened risk of SGA births. They recommend that clinicians consider more frequent fetal growth monitoring during the third trimester for pregnant individuals with HCV.
It is important to note that the study had certain limitations. The inability to perform multivariable modeling for rare outcomes and the observational nature of the research may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the information provided and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals with concerns about hepatitis C or pregnancy should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The findings of this study are observational and may not apply to all populations. Further research is needed to confirm these results and understand the underlying mechanisms.
