1. Chronic HBV infection in pregnant immigrants: a multicenter study of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases.
- Author
-
Sagnelli E, Taliani G, Castelli F, Bartolozzi D, Cacopardo B, Armignacco O, Scotto G, Coppola N, Stroffolini T, and Sagnelli C
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Africa South of the Sahara epidemiology, Europe, Eastern epidemiology, Asia, Eastern epidemiology, Female, Humans, Italy epidemiology, Middle Aged, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious epidemiology, Young Adult, Emigrants and Immigrants statistics & numerical data, Hepatitis B, Chronic diagnosis, Hepatitis B, Chronic epidemiology, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious virology
- Abstract
The aims of the study were to estimate the clinical impact of HBV infection in pregnant immigrants and their family members and to identify a useful approach to managing the healthcare of HBsAg-positive immigrants. Included in this study were 143 HBsAg-positive pregnant immigrants of the 1,970 from countries with intermediate/high HBV endemicity who delivered in 8 Italian hospitals in 2012-2013. In addition, 172 family members of 96 HBsAg-positive pregnant immigrants were tested for serum HBsAg. The median age of the 143 HBsAg-positive pregnant immigrants was 31.0±12.1 years and the length of stay in Italy 5.0±4.1 years; 56.5% were unaware of their HBsAg positivity. HBV DNA was detected in 74.5% of the pregnant immigrants, i.e., 94.3% from Eastern Europe, 72.2% from East Asia and 58.1% from Sub-Saharan Africa. HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL was detected in 47.8% of pregnant immigrants, associated with ALT ≥1.5 times the upper normal value in 15% of cases. Anti-HDV was detected in 10% of cases. HBsAg was detected in 31.3% of the 172 family members. All HBsAg-positive immigrants received counseling on HBV infection and its prevention, and underwent a complete clinical evaluation. The findings validate the approach used for the healthcare management of the HBsAg-positive immigrant population.
- Published
- 2016