Information for Pregnant Women Carrying Hepatitis C: Crucial Facts You Should Be Aware Of
Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a viral infection that affects the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The most common ways to get or transmit Hep C are by sharing needles or other equipment to prepare or inject drugs, accidental needle pricks, tattoos or piercings with unsterilized tools, sharing personal care items, and unprotected sex.
In the case of childbirth, transmission can occur, with a 1 in 20 chance if the birthing parent has Hep C. If a baby is born with Hep C, regular monitoring and antiviral therapy before pregnancy may help reduce the transmission risk. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine or specific prenatal treatment to prevent Hepatitis C transmission from mother to child during pregnancy. Prevention focuses on minimizing maternal risk factors and avoiding invasive procedures during delivery that might increase transmission risk. Cesarean section is not routinely recommended solely to prevent Hepatitis C transmission, and breastfeeding is generally considered safe if there is no co-infection with HIV or cracked nipples.
If a child is diagnosed with Hep C, their immune system can clear the virus on its own in about 40 percent of cases. However, more than half of Hep C cases can become chronic. If left untreated, Hep C can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Diagnosing Hep C in children is similar to diagnosing it in adults, but experts do not recommend testing a child until they are at least 18 months old. If a birthing parent wants to know their child's HCV status, they can discuss an HCV viral test when the child is 3 months old. If a child doesn't clear HCV on their own by 3 years old or shows symptoms of liver disease, they'll begin treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapy.
Children with Hep C can live functional, healthy, and active lives, especially if they avoid drinking alcohol. Hepatologists may also recommend vaccinations against hepatitis A and B for children with HCV. Treatment for children usually involves consistent monitoring by a pediatric hepatologist.
It's important to note that there hasn't been a lot of research into the long-term effects of Hep C in kids. However, around 20 percent of children with chronic Hep C have any or severe scarring of the liver as early as their eighth birthdays. In about 90 percent to 95 percent of kids with genotype 1 Hep C, there will be no detectable viral load in their blood after 12 weeks of treatment.
Transmission of Hep C occurs through direct exposure to the blood of someone who has Hep C. Before 1992, Hep C could be transmitted through organ transplants and blood transfusions, but now that's much less of a risk due to routine testing.
The exact time when Hep C can be passed to a baby is not known, but it's crucial for expecting parents to understand the risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their babies. Regular monitoring and timely treatment can significantly improve the outcomes for children with Hep C.
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