Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Pregnancy in Tertiary Center and its Casual Relationship

Abstract

Objectives: To study the prevalence of Hepatitis C in pregnancy and its causal relationship, so that preventive measures can be taken, as Hepatitis C is like epidemic in Pakistan, Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gynea/Obs Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad. Period: 6 months 1st Jan 2016 to 30th June, 2016. Methodology: 1000 pregnant woman of 16-40 years presenting in antenatal clinic of Allied Hospital were enrolled for study. After informed consent their blood was obtained for anti HCV antibody analysis by a third generation Elisa technique. Sera testing positive were also confirmed by HCV RNA by PCR. Result: In our study out of 1000 pregnant woman 400 patients were HCV positive by Elisa method. Among these 400 patients 250 were confirmed of HCV RNA by PCR. 80% of patients were having previous surgery, 60% were multipara, 70% were low socio economic class and 40% of patients were having history of previous blood transfusion. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis C is rapidly increasing in our population so proper health education and awareness should be improved and screening for HCV should be encouraged.