Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Pregnancy and Its Obstetrical and Perinatal Outcome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health
challenge, particularly in developing countries. In pregnant women, the virus not
only affects maternal health but also increases the risk of vertical transmission to the
neonate, which may result in chronic HBV infection.
Objective: To estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among
pregnant women and to assess the associated obstetrical and perinatal outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to October
2024 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gauhati Medical College
and Hospital. A total of 8,249 asymptomatic pregnant women were screened for
hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using ELISA. Seropositive women underwent
HBV DNA quantification and liver function testing. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal
data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 2.49% (n=200). Most of the infected
women were above 30 years of age (80%), belonged to rural areas (95%), and were
from lower-middle-income backgrounds (77%). Elevated ALT was found in 76%,
and 4% had HBV DNA levels exceeding 200,000 IU/mL. Cesarean delivery was
performed in 49.5% of cases. Among the neonates, 43% were low birth weight, and
77% required NICU admission. Vertical transmission occurred in 3 neonates (1.5%)
despite receiving birth dose vaccine and immunoglobulin.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of routine antenatal screening for
HBV. Although the rate of vertical transmission was low, a considerable proportion
of neonates required intensive care. Implementation of HBV DNA monitoring and
antiviral therapy in high-risk pregnancies may further reduce neonatal HBV infection
rates.