Transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) from mothers to babies can largely be prevented if screening for HCV in pregnancy is done prior, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
"We encourage all care providers to consider the reproductive implications of HCV, to consider HCV screening in pregnancy and referral for treatment of HCV," write Drs. Chelsea Elwood, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and Laura Sauve, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
New Treatments for Hepatitis C
Until very recently, infection with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) had been very difficult to treat, but new treatments now result in curing the disease in up to 90% of cases.
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‘Care gaps in both maternal screening during pregnancy and postnatal infant screening should be addressed to prevent progressive liver disease in young kids.’
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"The time has come to move toward universal HCV screening in women who are pregnant, with initial prenatal investigations that are then repeated based on risk factors in the third trimester."
Almost half of women infected with HCV are unaware of their infection, and current treatment with direct-acting antiviral regimens is quite effective.
![Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine Design - Scientists Reveal Difficulties]( "Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine Design - Scientists Reveal Difficulties")
Scientists discover that targeting the less flexible nature of protein may help in designing successful Hepatitis C vaccines.
"With the care gaps in both maternal screening in pregnancy and postnatal infant screening, Canada likely has a large cohort of infants, children and young adults with progressive liver disease, who could have been cured of the HCV infection if it had been identified early or, quite simply, would not have been infected at all," write the authors.
The elimination of vertical transmission of HCV from mother to child is achievable with the collaboration of public health and health care professionals.
Source: Eurekalert
Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine Design - Scientists Reveal Difficulties
Scientists discover that targeting the less flexible nature of protein may help in designing successful Hepatitis C vaccines.
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"With the care gaps in both maternal screening in pregnancy and postnatal infant screening, Canada likely has a large cohort of infants, children and young adults with progressive liver disease, who could have been cured of the HCV infection if it had been identified early or, quite simply, would not have been infected at all," write the authors.
The elimination of vertical transmission of HCV from mother to child is achievable with the collaboration of public health and health care professionals.
Source: Eurekalert
New Drug, Sofosbuvir, Found Very Efficient in Treating Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
A new drug, Sofosbuvir, has been found very efficient in treating different types of chronic Hepatitis C Virus infection; it is in the third phase of clinical trials.
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 Hepatitis C Virus Screening Improved Among Baby BoomersElectronic health record (EHR) implementation has increased screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and improved treatment among baby boomers. | Advertisement
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